Ambassador Christopher B, Montero (4th from right) and the Resource Speakers of the Seminar on Basic Financial Literacy, Investment Opportunities and the Reintegration Program of the Philippines pose with members of the Filipino community who attended the Seminar at the Consular Section of the Philippine Chancery.
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN 10 November 2019- In line with its mandate to promote the welfare of the Overseas Filipino Workers, the Philippine Embassy in Brunei Darussalam held a “Seminar on Basic Financial Literacy, Investment Opportunities and the Reintegration Program of the Philippines” on 10 November 2019 at the Philippine Chancery.
In his welcome remarks, Philippine Ambassador Christopher B. Montero expressed optimism that the seminar will equip Filipino community members with information and knowledge that would assist them in putting their hard-earned savings to good and productive use. He noted the value of the seminar in enhancing the overall skills of OFWs and enabling them to secure a better future for their families.
The speakers during the Seminar were professionals and experts in the field of Financial Management. Ms. Michelle Centeno, Senior Director of Cosmopolitan College and Senior Accounting and Finance Coach of K-Mas Group, gave a presentation on basic financial awareness and useful information and tips on how to budget expenses to build up savings. Mr. Gerald Heriales, Overseas Representative Officer of Landbank of the Philippines, discussed the various investment opportunities through stocks, mutual funds and financial bonds as well as its risks and rewards. The third speaker was Labor Attaché Melissa Mendizabal who provide a briefing on the Reintegration Program of the Philippine Government, the Balikbayan Program and the different “negosyo” loans available to the OFWs through OWWA.
One hundred twenty-five (125) participants composed mostly of semi-skilled and Household Service Workers attended the seminar. They expressed appreciation to the Embassy for organizing the said event, noting that it generated higher awareness on the importance of saving and planning for their future. Some of them had a one-on-one session with the speakers to further gain information on investment opportunities and starting a business in the Philippines.
The event marked the Embassy’s sixth Gender and Development (GAD) activity for the year. The Embassy regularly conducts GAD activities that promote gender and development for the benefit of Filipinos in Brunei, particularly for their empowerment and enhanced productivity. END
Ambassador Montero (standing at the podium) delivers his welcome remarks during the Seminar
The Resource Speakers for the seminar pose for a photo with Ambassador Christopher B. Montero. (from left: Labor Attaché Melissa Mendizabal, Senior Accounting and Finance Coach at K-Mas Group Ms. Michelle Centeno, Landbank Overseas Representative Gerald Heriales)
