By William Agda
The Department of Education (DepEd) and BDO Network Bank (BDONB) continue their partnership to equip public school teachers with financial knowledge, helping them achieve personal financial goals and improve their overall well-being.
The collaboration aims to promote financial literacy among teachers, empowering them to practice better financial discipline, manage expenses, and avoid debt traps. With their daily responsibilities as educators, understanding proper budgeting and saving has significantly reduced financial stress for many teachers.
DepEd-National Capital Region Regional Director Jocelyn Andaya emphasized the importance of training teachers in financial management, as it enables them to pass on the same knowledge to their students. “Here in DepEd, we’re looking for ways to train our teachers on financial literacy because they can’t teach that to their students if they themselves don’t know anything about it,” Andaya said. She highlighted the role teachers play in teaching financial responsibility to the younger generation, noting that financial literacy is already part of the curriculum in elementary and high school levels.
Andaya further mentioned DepEd’s plans to measure the financial literacy levels of teachers to track progress over the years. She welcomed private sector involvement, such as BDONB’s programs, to help develop sustainable solutions and financial literacy modules for educators.
BDO Network Bank, the community banking arm of BDO Unibank, offers tailor-fit financial products and literacy programs to address the unique needs of teachers. Alberto O. Quiogue, BDONB Senior Vice President and Salary Loans Group Head, reiterated the importance of supporting teachers, describing them as the “heroes” of education.
“The success of the teachers will depend on the support they get not only from the government but also from the private sector. Financial literacy programs help teachers perform their duties effectively, free from the mental strain of money-related concerns,” Quiogue said. He added that BDONB promotes responsible borrowing and financial wellness, educating teachers on proper money management and distinguishing between good and bad loans.
BDONB’s commitment to supporting DepEd extends beyond financial services. The bank actively participates in year-round initiatives such as Brigada Eskwela, Palarong Pambansa, and World Teachers’ Day celebrations, providing donations, school improvements, and community engagement activities.
Quiogue emphasized that BDONB remains ready to support DepEd and its programs, recognizing the vital role of teachers in shaping the future of the country. “We at BDO Network Bank are always there to support the teachers and the many endeavors of DepEd. Any support that they need, we’re all out for them,” he added.
The ongoing partnership between DepEd and BDONB reflects a shared commitment to empowering teachers, fostering financial wellness, and ensuring they are well-equipped to manage their finances while serving their students and communities effectively.