The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), through its social development arm, BPI Foundation (BPIF), has partnered with Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao to expand financial literacy initiatives in the Davao region.
Mapúa Malayan Colleges is the first school partner in Mindanao for BPIF’s flagship financial education program, FinEd Unboxed complemented by a financial management app called Breakthrough. The collaboration aims to empower communities through financial literacy training and capacity-building sessions.
“Through this partnership with Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao, we are bringing financial literacy closer to communities in Davao,” said Carmina Marquez, BPIF Executive Director.
“By empowering educators and representatives with the right knowledge and skills, we aim to foster a culture of financial wellness and help uplift the lives of many families and communities,” Marquez added.
Signed on February 6, 2025, the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) outlines BPIF’s commitment to supporting the school’s adopted communities through the “Train the Trainers” program.
Under this initiative, BPIF will equip faculty members and representatives from Mapúa with the knowledge and tools needed to conduct financial wellness sessions for 10 adopted communities in Davao City this year. The program is expected to directly benefit 2,700 individuals and an additional 8,100 beneficiaries.
The schools and communities included in the program for 2025 are:
- Josefa Llanes Escoda Elementary School – Brgy. Maa, Davao City
- Catigan Elementary School – Catigan, Toril, Davao City
- Langub Elementary School – Brgy. Langub, Maa, Davao City
- C. Quimpo Elementary School – Bago Aplaya, Davao City
- Carmen Integrated School – Brgy. New Carmen, Tugbok, Davao City
- Anecito Barbarona Elementary School – Brgy. Angalan, Tugbok District, Davao City
- New Matina Elementary School – Gravahan, Davao City
- Tawan-Tawan – Baguio District, Davao City
- Matina Pangi – Brgy. Matina Pangi, Davao City
- Department of Migrant Workers – Buhangin, Davao City
By 2026, the program will expand to cover 11 more communities, with an estimate of 4,000 beneficiaries only for the said year, further enhancing the reach of financial literacy initiatives in the region.
“We are honored to be the first academic partner for BPI Foundation’s financial education programs in Mindanao. This collaboration enables our faculty and students to promote financial literacy in adopted schools, paving the way for a more financially resilient society,” shared Engr. Alejandro Ballado, Jr., MMCM EVP and COO. “This initiative will also serve as a starting point for other Mapúa campuses in Laguna, Makati, and Intramuros in implementing similar programs, amplifying the impact to the communities they belong.”
The partnership is a significant step toward creating a collaborative network dedicated to financial empowerment in Mindanao. By leveraging education as a platform for positive change, BPI Foundation and Mapúa are setting the groundwork for sustainable community development and long-term financial well-being.
