The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the City Government of Parañaque, and BDO Foundation have partnered to roll out a financial education program aimed at empowering fisherfolk and improving their financial resilience.

The initiative, advocated by the city’s Agricultural, Fisheries, and Aquatic Services Office, seeks to equip members of the fisheries sector with practical knowledge and tools to better manage their income amid livelihood uncertainties.

The program was formally launched during a ceremony at Parañaque City Hall, attended by leaders of local fishing cooperatives, key stakeholders, and officials including Mayor Edwin Olivarez and District 1 Representative Eric Olivarez.

Among the beneficiaries is Jose Cabanza Jr. of Barangay La Huerta, who shared the challenges faced by fisherfolk due to fluctuating income and environmental conditions affecting their catch.

City Agriculture Office OIC Amie Hernandez emphasized the importance of financial knowledge in improving livelihoods, noting that the partnership aims to help fisherfolk become more capable of managing their resources.

BDO Foundation President Mario Deriquito highlighted the program’s guiding principles—partnership, practical knowledge, and preparedness—stressing that financial literacy enables individuals to become more resilient.

The BSP also underscored the initiative as part of its whole-of-society approach to financial education, citing the value of collaboration between public and private sectors in advancing community development.

Other beneficiaries, including vendors from Parañaque’s Bulungan Seafood Market, expressed optimism about gaining better understanding of savings and proper financial management through the program.