BPI, Philippine Science High School forge partnership to strengthen youth financial literacy

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), through its social development arm, BPI Foundation (BPIF), recently signed a memorandum of agreement with the Philippine Science High School Foundation, Inc. (PSHSFI) to implement FinEd Unboxed within the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) community. Formalized through a signing ceremony at the PSHS Main Campus, the partnership marks PSHS as BPIF’s third partner school in 2026 and reinforces the Foundation’s commitment to advancing financial inclusion through collaborations with leading academic institutions nationwide. Through the program, educators and student leaders are empowered to champion financial literacy and help shape a generation of financially responsible and empowered young Filipinos.

In photo (L-R): BPIF’s Manolo Nava, Senior Program Manager, and Carmina Marquez, Executive Director, with PSHS’ Maria Teresita Carpio-Bacuñgan, Executive Director, and Dr. Rod Allan De Lara, Campus Director.

Through FinEd Unboxed, BPIF positions schools as multiplier platforms for financial education by equipping educators and young learners with structured, age-appropriate, and practical financial literacy modules. The program combines capacity-building sessions with practical learning tools, including the Breakthrough App, an interactive financial education platform that helps participants apply key money management concepts in real-life scenarios. Participants are also equipped with FinEd Unboxed modules covering personal finance topics such as saving, budgeting, credit management, investing, insurance, retirement planning, and fraud prevention.

In 2025, BPIF’s financial education initiatives have reached 3.3 million Filipinos in local communities nationwide. Through its partnership with PSHS, the program is expected to benefit 3,000 students, educators, and student leaders over the next three years.

“When we equip students with financial knowledge, the impact goes far beyond the classroom—these young people become catalysts for smarter financial decisions in their homes and communities.” said Carmina Marquez, BPIF Executive Director. “This partnership is about more than delivering a program—it is about combining our strengths to empower future leaders with the financial tools they need to solve real-world challenges.”

Maria Teresita Carpio-Bacuñgan, Executive Director of PSHS Foundation Inc., emphasized the value of integrating financial education into the broader development of students.

“As scholars,  our students begin earning and managing their own money as early as age 12. Through this partnership, we aim to help them not only spend wisely, but also learn how to save, invest, and grow their resources for the future.”

The Philippine Science High School Main Campus is BPI Foundation’s third partner school for 2026 under the FinEd Unboxed program, bringing financial education closer to young Filipinos.

“At Philippine Science High School, we are committed to shaping future scientists and nation-builders,” said  Carpio-Bacuñgan. “Our partnership with BPI Foundation reflects a shared belief that financial literacy is an essential life skill every young Filipino deserves. By equipping our students early, we are helping them develop the confidence, discipline, and mindset needed to become responsible decision-makers and impactful leaders of tomorrow.”   

FinEd Unboxed is part of BPIF’s broader commitment to promoting financial wellness and inclusion by making financial education more accessible to Filipinos, especially the youth. By collaborating with institutions that shape future leaders, the Foundation aims to foster a generation that is better prepared to make sound financial decisions and create positive impact in their communities.

To learn more about BPIF’s programs, visit www.bpifoundation.org or follow BPI Foundation on Facebook (@BPIFoundation) and Instagram (@bpifoundationinc).