BPI partners with Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao to promote financial literacy in Davao

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), through its social development arm, BPI Foundation (BPIF), has partnered with Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao to expand financial literacy initiatives in the Davao region.

Mapúa Malayan Colleges is the first school partner in Mindanao for BPIF’s flagship financial education program, FinEd Unboxed complemented by a financial management app called Breakthrough. The collaboration aims to empower communities through financial literacy training and capacity-building sessions.

“Through this partnership with Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao, we are bringing financial literacy closer to communities in Davao,” said Carmina Marquez, BPIF Executive Director.

“By empowering educators and representatives with the right knowledge and skills, we aim to foster a culture of financial wellness and help uplift the lives of many families and communities,” Marquez added.

Signed on February 6, 2025, the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) outlines BPIF’s commitment to supporting the school’s adopted communities through the “Train the Trainers” program.

Under this initiative, BPIF will equip faculty members and representatives from Mapúa with the knowledge and tools needed to conduct financial wellness sessions for 10 adopted communities in Davao City this year. The program is expected to directly benefit 2,700 individuals and an additional 8,100 beneficiaries.

The schools and communities included in the program for 2025 are:

1. Josefa Llanes Escoda Elementary School – Brgy. Maa, Davao City

2. Catigan Elementary School – Catigan, Toril, Davao City

3. Langub Elementary School – Brgy. Langub, Maa, Davao City

4. R.C. Quimpo Elementary School – Bago Aplaya, Davao City

5. Carmen Integrated School – Brgy. New Carmen, Tugbok, Davao City

6. Anecito Barbarona Elementary School – Brgy. Angalan, Tugbok District, Davao City

7. New Matina Elementary School – Gravahan, Davao City

8. Brgy. Tawan-Tawan – Baguio District, Davao City

9. Brgy. Matina Pangi – Brgy. Matina Pangi, Davao City

10. Department of Migrant Workers – Buhangin, Davao City

By 2026, the program will expand to cover 11 more communities, with an estimate of 4,000 beneficiaries only for the said year, further enhancing the reach of financial literacy initiatives in the region.

“We are honored to be the first academic partner for BPI Foundation’s financial education programs in Mindanao. This collaboration enables our faculty and students to promote financial literacy in adopted schools, paving the way for a more financially resilient society,” shared Engr. Alejandro Ballado, Jr., MMCM EVP and COO. “This initiative will also serve as a starting point for other Mapúa campuses in Laguna, Makati, and Intramuros in implementing similar programs, amplifying the impact to the communities they belong.”

The partnership is a significant step toward creating a collaborative network dedicated to financial empowerment in Mindanao. By leveraging education as a platform for positive change, BPI Foundation and Mapúa are setting the groundwork for sustainable community development and long-term financial well-being.

The BPI-DOST Innovation Awards program began in September 2024 with an immersive Innovation and Business Workshop, which featured esteemed speakers from the National Research Council of the Philippines, including Dr. Ezekiel Bernardo on Design Thinking; Dr. Susan Atienza on Innovation & Creative Entrepreneurship; Dr. Ryan Ebardo on Presentation Skills; Caezar Angelito Arceo on Patent; Dr. Maricor Soriano on Collaboration & Networking; Dr. Dana Vera Cruz on Technology Marketing & Commercialization; and Dr. Lawrence Dacuycuy on Business Model. These sessions equipped students with skills to turn their ideas into actionable, impactful solutions.

A distinguished group of judges brought their knowledge and passion to this year’s awards—namely Carmina Marquez, executive director of BPIF; Dr. Ryan Corpuz, S&T Fellow from the DOST; Dr. Marie Paz Morales, a renowned educator representing the academe sector; Dr. Aristotle Ubando, a Filipino scientist; and Dr. Gonzalo Serafica from the business sector. Their feedback was clear and actionable, ensuring that every team left with insights they could use well beyond the competition.

Three teams emerged victorious, each taking home PHP 150,000 in cash prizes and the prestigious title of 2024 BPI-DOST Innovation Awardees.

Marquez shared, “We say at BPIF, ‘Kasama Lahat sa Pag-Unlad’—progress is for everyone. Together, we build a future where no one is left behind. To our students, your projects demonstrate that young Filipinos are more than capable of addressing real-world problems with innovative, forward-thinking solutions. I am confident that you will continue the advancement of science and technology in the Philippines.”

Meanwhile, DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., challenged the finalists to be fearless in their pursuits of solutions to the country’s challenges through innovation. “The challenges we face today demand bold ideas, collaborative action, and a commitment to creating meaningful change. Your presence here signals hope—a promise that innovation can drive a sustainable and inclusive future for the Philippines.”

In 2025, BPIF remains dedicated to fostering innovation by investing in young talent for a sustainable, inclusive future. Through its partnership with DOST-SEI, BPIF drives programs like the BPI-DOST Innovation Awards, combining financial inclusivity with DOST’s expertise in science and technology to empower young innovators in addressing national challenges.

Since 1989, BPI and DOST have consistently supported and empowered young Filipino innovators through the BPI-DOST Innovation Awards program.

To learn more about the BPI-DOST Innovation Awards and other initiatives, visit the BPI Foundation website.