Summit to help OFWs learn financial literacy

Sen. Cynthia Villar on Wednesday urged overseas Filipino workers (OFW) and their families to take part in the Ninth OFW and Family Summit this month which hopes to inculcate the concept of financial literacy.

Villar, who is also director of the Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (Villar SIPAG), said in a press conference the summit will be held on Nov. 12 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

“My family and many OFWs always look forward to this event because it has evolved into an occasion where OFWs and their families gather and interact with private and government institutions for concerts ranging from access to financial services, social benefits, legal assistance, among others,” Villar said.

This year’s theme will be “Kabuhayan sa Sariling Bayan” which aims to equip the OFWs with the necessary tools to grow their money here in the country. During the press conference, Villar was joined by Susan “Toots” Ople of the Ople Training Center.

“Aside from teaching our OFWs how to wisely invest their savings and grow their income, it is equally important to educate them [on] how to protect their hard-earned money and how not to fall victims of human trafficking, illegal recruitment, and investment scams,” VIllar added.

The summit will be graced by former Senate President Manny Villar, Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mar Villar, Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez.

English Learning Camp Chief Executive Officer Burn Guitterez, author of the country’s first finance-influenced comic book “The Adventures of Pepot Kuripot and Dora Gastadora” will be talking on the growing one’s earnings. Also talking on the topic will be Ecofarm owners Eric Atanacio and Terra Verde; and President and Chief Financial Planner of Wealth Arki Consultancy, Inc.

On the topic of Business Landscape and Trends for Start-ups, panelists will be Emma Tolentino, Eco Natural Integrated Farm owner; Ace Vergel dela Cruz, acquisition executive of Grab Philippines; and Capt. Danny Ricohermoso, Executive Vice President of Integrated Seafarers of the Philippines, Inc.

OFWs turned successful entrepreneurs will also have their own segment led by Gene Gutierrez, owner of Big Ben’s Gourmet and Big Ben’s Kitchen; Bianca Tolentino, owner of Cofficina Cafe + Co-work; and Princess San Diego, founder of What’s Your Flan.