SEDPI conducted its financial literacy training program for the graduating class of the Sisters of Mary Schools last June 13, 2013 at their campus in Silang, Cavite. The morning session was attended by 449 boys from the Sisters of Mary—Boystown, and about 690 girls from Girlstown joined in the afternoon.
SEDPI President and CEO Mr. Vince Rapisura started the plenary session by discussing the Importance of Personal Finance. Students eagerly listened to strategies in making an effective personal financial management that can benefit them at such an early age. It was followed by an inspirational sharing of the life story of Mr. Edwin Salonga (SEDPI’s Chairperson) who managed to prevail against his financial difficulties as an adolescent and is now an accomplished individual with his own businesses.
After the plenary, the students were divided into several groups for breakout sessions on Budgeting and Managing Expenditure, Setting Financial Goals, and Creating a Savings Plan. The students raised their worries about the challenges of life after high school and the expectations of contributing to the family’s income. In addressing those, SEDPI educated them on distinguishing their needs from their wants, and determining their personal financial goals. Likewise inculcated in their young minds were learning how to set their priorities, and having an awareness on how saving can be advantageous for the future.
The students, in their closing remarks, expressed their gratitude that the sessions were interactive and provided practical examples. According to them, they truly appreciate that the Philippine Transmarine Carriers – Carlos Salinas Jr. Foundation (PTC-CSJ) has a vision of encouraging self-upliftment and promoting quality of life*, and its sponsorship of financial literacy courses to high school students with the help of SEDPI as its training lead, are life-changing.