The National Economic and Development Authority Region 2 (NEDA2) held the Economic and Financial Literacy (EFL) Forum on debt management and basics of investing on November 9, 2023 in celebration of the Economic and Financial Literacy Week. This was joined by 185 participants from regional line agencies, local government units, the academe, and the general public through Zoom and Facebook Live.

Ms. Maria Elena A. Madriaga, Bank Officer IV of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), discussed the basic concepts of debt management and investments, including investment options and tips. She also shared some consumer protection techniques as well as the available consumer assistance services of the BSP. “Being financially literate, and knowing one’s rights are essential to one’s financial health. By improving financial literacy, people can make better financial decisions and the goal of financial inclusion across sectors and the society can be better achieved,” she said.

The EFLW is annually observed every second week of November as mandated by Republic Act No. 10922, also known as the “Economic and Financial Literacy Act.” This year’s theme is “Bayanihanomics: Sama-samang Pakikilahok para sa Matibay na Ekonomiya.” It promotes greater collaboration among all stakeholders towards the achievement of inclusive economic growth and sustainable development. KC Quienes, NEDA2-DRD