TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — The City Government of Tagbilaran has forged a three‑year partnership with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the BDO Foundation to embed financial literacy in every barangay. The memorandum of agreement was signed in July 2026 as a centerpiece of the city’s 60th Diamond Jubilee celebration.
A Diamond Jubilee Partnership
Mayor Jane Yap, BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette T. Romulo‑Puyat, and BDO Foundation President Mario Deriquito led the signing ceremony. They stressed that financial education is a cornerstone of sustainable development. The agreement runs through 2029, leaving a lasting legacy beyond the anniversary year.
The collaboration channels the central bank’s expertise and the foundation’s on‑the‑ground experience into programs tailored for local families, workers, and micro‑entrepreneurs. Mayor Yap said the city is determined to create a financially empowered citizenry. The initiative directly supports the “Tagbilaran @ 60 Legacy Program” of investing in human capital.
Empowering Families and Entrepreneurs
The curriculum covers smart budgeting, systematic saving, debt management, and informed financial decision‑making. Participants will learn to access formal banking channels while steering clear of predatory lending. For small business owners, the training also includes basic bookkeeping and cash flow management.
Households will gain practical skills to stretch their incomes and build emergency funds. The program integrates digital financial literacy, helping residents navigate online banking and e‑wallets with confidence. By making money matters simple, the city aims to reduce poverty and deepen economic participation.
A Three‑Year Roadmap for Financial Inclusion
The BSP and BDO Foundation will deploy training‑of‑trainers sessions to build a pool of local facilitators. These trainers will cascade the lessons across barangay halls, public markets, and schools. The phased rollout ensures that even the farthest neighborhood receives support.
Regular monitoring will track the program’s impact on savings rates and business growth. Deputy Governor Romulo‑Puyat noted that financial inclusion is a national priority and that Tagbilaran’s proactive stance serves as a model for other local governments. The BDO Foundation will provide instructional materials and technical assistance throughout the partnership.
Strengthening the Local Economy from the Ground Up
Financial literacy is directly linked to economic resilience. When families can save and plan, they are less vulnerable to sudden emergencies. Small enterprises that manage finances well are more likely to survive and expand, creating jobs and steady income streams for the community.
Mayor Yap stressed that a financially informed populace builds a stronger community and a more robust local economy. The signing ceremony symbolized a unified effort among government, private sector, and residents. The city envisions a future where every Tagbilaranon possesses the confidence to make sound financial decisions that ripple across generations.
