Speakers and participants of the online Financial Literacy and Investment Opportunities Webinar in a discussion regarding savings and budgeting.

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN 23 July 2020- In line with its mandate to promote the welfare of the Filipino diaspora, the Philippine Embassy in Brunei Darussalam held a “Financial Literacy and Investment Opportunities Webinar” which was streamed live on its official Facebook page.

In his welcome remarks, Philippine Ambassador Christopher B. Montero expressed optimism that despite the current financial challenges being faced by the Filipino diaspora, they would continue to put their hard-earned savings to good and productive use, especially during times of emergencies. He also noted the value of the webinar in enhancing the overall skills of OFWs and enabling them to secure a better future for their families. He assured the Filipino community that the Embassy will continue to undertake projects and initiatives that would promote and uplift the welfare of OFWs through the regular conduct of webinars in collaboration with other partners and stakeholders.

The invited resource speakers for the Seminar are professionals and experts in the field of financial management, namely: 1) Mr. Gerald Heriales, Overseas Representative Officer of Landbank of the Philippines, discussed basic financial awareness and useful information and tips on how to budget expenses to build up savings; 2) Ms. Leila Caguingin Martin, President and CEO of the first digital-only Overseas Filipino Bank (OFBank), introduced the products and services of OFBank and presented the convenience and ease of making online transactions between overseas Filipinos and their beneficiaries in the Philippines; and 3) Atty. Florence Rosaling Claveria, Head of Investment Banking of Landbank, presented the latest Retail Treasury Bill being offered by the Philippine Government, the RTB24 or the Progreso Bonds, which provides a new investment opportunity for OFWs.

In collaboration with the Philippine Labor Office and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Office in Brunei Darussalam, the Webinar is part of the Embassy’s second 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