BPI and Acen Seal Three-Year Partnership to Empower More Filipinos with Financial Knowledge

BPI Foundation and ACEN are working together to bring practical financial education to underserved communities, helping more Filipinos build stronger habits around saving, budgeting, credit, investing, insurance, and fraud prevention.

The three-year partnership will bring BPI’s flagship financial education program, FinEd Unboxed, to communities near ACEN project sites in Real, Quezon; Pakil, Pangil, and Paete in Laguna; and San Marcelino, Subic, Castillejos, Palauig, Iba, and Botolan in Zambales.

The program aims to reach 3,000 direct beneficiaries across these communities.

Bringing Financial Education Closer to Communities

Through its social development arm, BPI Foundation, the Bank of the Philippine Islands continues to strengthen financial inclusion by making financial literacy more accessible.

The partnership with ACEN focuses on communities located near renewable energy project sites, including underserved and indigenous communities.

By bringing learning sessions directly to these areas, the program aims to help families and community leaders gain practical financial knowledge they can use in everyday decisions.

What FinEd Unboxed Teaches

FinEd Unboxed is designed to make financial education structured, practical, and easier to understand.

The program covers important topics such as:

• Saving
• Budgeting
• Credit management
• Investing
• Insurance
• Retirement planning
• Fraud prevention

It also uses interactive learning tools such as the Breakthrough App, a digital financial education platform that helps participants apply money management concepts in real-life scenarios.

A key part of the program is training local community leaders to become financial literacy advocates who can share knowledge within their own communities.

Addressing Financial Resilience Gaps

The initiative comes at a time when financial literacy in the Philippines is improving, but many Filipino adults still face challenges in financial security.

BSP data cited in the release showed that 74% of adults correctly answered basic financial questions in 2025, up from 69% in 2021.

However, only 43% reported being satisfied with their financial situation, and only three in ten had enough savings to withstand financial shocks.

These figures point to the need for financial education that is not only informative, but also practical and accessible to more communities.

Building on Earlier Financial Literacy Work

In 2025, BPI Foundation’s financial education initiatives reached 3.3 million Filipinos in local communities nationwide.

This included previous financial literacy sessions with ACEN that reached 334 participants from Laguna, Quezon, and Zambales.

The sessions, facilitated by BPI employee volunteers, provided participants with practical knowledge on saving, insurance, debt management, investing, and protection against scams and fraud.

Shared Commitment to Inclusive Growth

“At BPI Foundation, we believe that financial education is not a privilege—it is a foundation for opportunity and progress,” said Carmina Marquez, Executive Director of BPI Foundation.

She said the partnership with ACEN expands access to financial literacy in communities that need it most, helping more Filipinos build better financial habits and contribute to a more inclusive and resilient Philippines.

Gabby Mejia, Executive Director of ACEN, said creating positive impact goes beyond providing clean power.

He said the partnership equips families and community leaders with practical financial skills that can help them manage resources, prepare for future opportunities, and strengthen long-term economic well-being.

Knowledge That Supports Long-Term Resilience

The BPI Foundation and ACEN partnership shows how financial education can support community development alongside renewable energy growth.

For families, the program can help improve everyday money decisions. For community leaders, it creates an opportunity to share financial knowledge with others. For underserved communities, it builds confidence to prepare for future needs and manage financial risks.

Through FinEd Unboxed, BPI and ACEN are helping make financial knowledge more reachable, practical, and relevant to the lives of more Filipinos.