The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) joined forces with the Department of Education (DepEd) to enhance investor education and financial literacy among students and teachers.
The collaboration aims to protect more Filipinos from rising scams by incorporating SEC’s financial education resources into the educational curriculum.
Under the memorandum of agreement, DepEd will translate these resources into classroom materials. Financial literacy will also be added as a key learning competency for students.
“Currently, the SEC administers webinars covering a wide range of financial topics, from becoming an agent in the capital market to managing finances and identifying investment scams,” said SEC chairperson Emilio Aquino.
“However, we know we can do more, and our ultimate goal is to embed financial literacy deeply in our society, starting with the youth,” he said.
The SEC will educate teachers on how to identify and report illegal investment schemes. This training will help teachers influence their students’ understanding of financial matters.
It will also share information about black-listed corporations involved in fraudulent activities. This will help both teachers and students know which entities to avoid.
The agency said it would also push for the approval of the Capital Market Development Act to provide legislative basis for the inclusion of the SEC learning materials in the curriculum.
“Ultimately, we want to equip our students and teachers with the knowledge and skills to save, manage, and invest effectively. A more financially literate public will be better positioned to build a secure future while avoiding financial pitfalls and scams,” Aquino said.
DepEd is the latest partner in the SEC’s Campaign, Advocacy and Network (SEC CAN!) initiative, which promotes financial literacy. The program aims to partner with public and private organizations to spread financial education across the country.
