JA Philippines has officially launched the third year of its groundbreaking JA Personal Finance program, a crucial initiative aimed at enhancing financial literacy among Grade 11 Senior High School students across the nation. Sponsored by Wells Fargo, this program focuses on equipping students with essential financial skills, including earning, budgeting, saving, investing, and responsible credit use. Wells Fargo's support of the program is aligned with its focused approach to making a difference in the communities where it has a footprint, reflecting its commitment to promoting financial literacy and equipping the next generation with tools for an empowered and financially secure future. The JA Personal Finance program goes beyond just managing money; it's about empowering individuals with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions. Participants will recognize the fundamental elements of financial planning — how to make money, spend wisely, and use credit cautiously. This initiative supports one of JA's core pillars: financial literacy. Opening the event, Krishna Alejandrino, Executive Director of JA Philippines, emphasized the program's significance in shaping the financial futures of young Filipinos. Bandana Jha, Head of Philanthropy and Community Impact of Wells Fargo India and the Philippines, followed with a message highlighting Wells Fargo's ongoing commitment to supporting financial education in the Philippines. Data as recent as 2022 show that only 25 percent of Filipinos are financially literate, placing the country in the bottom 30 out of 144 countries globally. The challenges include economic priorities, cultural barriers, limited access to financial services, and the prevalence of misinformation and predatory practices. Through initiatives like JA Personal Finance, and with the support of government, private sectors, financial institutions, universities, media, families, communities, and NGOs, JA Philippines aims to improve this statistic significantly. Now in its third year, the JA Personal Finance program has seen continuous improvement and expansion. This year, the program will integrate financial literacy into the national curriculum, particularly in Math and Values Education, following the signing of a regional MoA with the Department of Education (DepEd). Additionally, teachers will receive specialized training through the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) to better implement these concepts in classrooms. The kick-off program's keynote speech underscored the importance of financial literacy in a country projected to be one of the largest economies by 2037. With a young population and a demographic golden age on the horizon, solid financial education has the potential to double or triple the percentage of financially literate Filipinos, thereby creating a ripple effect of economic growth. The event also featured a panel discussion, the recognition of volunteers and leaders, and the awarding of certifications to program graduates. The program continues to evolve, expanding its reach and impact, and ensuring that the next generation of Filipinos is better equipped for financial success.
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