Recognizing that many financial habits are formed during one’s childhood, Manulife launched an innovative financial literacy campaign meant for a younger audience. Peso Smart started as a financial literacy program implemented as a series of in-person weekend classes, conducted by Manulife employees for Grades 5 and 6 public school students. It has since continued to evolve and address our beneficiaries’ learning needs during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since its inception in 2017, Peso Smart has successfully reached more than 2,900 learners.
After the completion of the Peso Smart program, learners were asked to answer a survey to assess its effectiveness. For S.Y. 2024-2025, the results show that:
When we really want to empower people through literacy, it’s really such a powerful tool for people to know that they have the capacity to chart their own path
- Margaux Atayde, Co-Founder of Corazon Sanchez Atayde Memorial Foundation
Launched in 2020, Peso Smart storybooks are educational books that introduce good money habits to children through visual storytelling. These books tell important tales about common life and family moments where they can learn practical lessons about money, saving, budgeting, and other concepts -- empowering every young Filipino through financial literacy.
Watch Manny and Liv's story below.
Download Peso Smart Comic books below.
Leshti's Journey: From Young Entrepreneur to Financially Savvy Student
S.Y. 2021-2022
In the 2021-2022 Peso Smart Report, Leshti was recognized as one of our success stories—a Peso Smart learner who took the lessons from the program and turned them into action. With just ₱300 in starting capital, she opende an online shop on Facebook Marketplace, selling cellphone organizers, ponytails, and turbans.
“Thankful po ako sa Peso Smart kasi doon po ako natutong mag-ipon at kung paano gumastos ng tamang pamamaraan.” More than just applying it to herself, Leshti has passed on her financial knowledge to her younger siblings and cousins, guiding them on the importance of spending wisely.
Leshti’s journey is a powerful example of how Peso Smart empowers children with financial wisdom that lasts a lifetime. Whether through personal savings, smart spending, or helping their families navigate financial challenges, our scholars continue to prove that financial literacy is an investment in a brighter future.