Manulife Philippines Celebrates Peso Smart Graduation, Empowering Young Learners with Financial Literacy

BACOLOD, Philippines – Manulife Philippines, the local arm of international financial services provider Manulife, in partnership with the Corazon S. Atayde Memorial Foundation (CSAMF), celebrated the graduation of scholars at the Peso Smart Graduation and Fair in Catabla Baybay Elementary School (CBES) in Talisay City, Bacolod.

Across Asia—especially in the Philippines—nearly 40% of adults face financial insecurity in later life. Building wealth early, managing it wisely, and drawing it down sustainably are essential to long‑term quality of life. Peso Smart brings this belief to life through Manulife Philippines’ financial education program, equipping young learners with practical money skills and the confidence to navigate an increasingly long and complex financial future. Since its launch in 2017, Peso Smart has reached 4,000 learners across 18 public elementary schools nationwide.

The Peso Smart Graduation and Fair recognized 50 students from Grades 5 and 6 who completed Manulife’s award-winning financial literacy program, designed to support youth and underserved communities with essential financial knowledge and skills. The event also included interactive booths, games centered around real-world financial concepts, and career awareness activities, with the aim of reinforcing the learnings from the program.

“We are proud to celebrate our Peso Smart graduates who have shown remarkable progress in their financial learning journey. We’re happy to see their enthusiasm in building sound money management skills, even at this early age," said Sonali Verma, Chief Marketing Officer, Manulife Philippines.

Verma added, "Financial literacy is a lifelong advantage, and by nurturing it now, we help young Filipinos build the confidence to make informed decisions about their future. Aligned with the Manulife Impact Agenda, we are committed to supporting financial resilience by expanding access to financial education and guiding the next generation toward lasting financial empowerment."

Present at the graduation were: Hon. Atty. Rowena Lizares, Mayor of the City of Talisay; Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Superintendents Gladys Amylaine Sales (Division of Negros Occidental) and Jen-Ann V. Rosal (Division of Talisay City); and Candy Suarez, Chief Risk Officer, Manulife Philippines. Principals and teachers who led the Peso Smart program in their respective schools also attended, underscoring the shared commitment across the public, educational, and private sectors to invest in youth development and financial empowerment.

About Manulife Peso Smart

Peso Smart is Manulife Philippines' award-winning financial literacy program, advancing its mission to drive inclusive economic opportunities. It is delivered in collaboration with community investment partner CSAMF, a non-profit organization that seeks to eradicate illiteracy and create learning opportunities for underserved communities.

The program supports DepEd’s initiatives to strengthen financial education within the K-12 curriculum, equipping elementary students with money management skills through age-appropriate lessons on saving, budgeting, and responsible decision-making. The initiative also provides early exposure to career pathways, helping young learners connect financial concepts with future aspirations.

For more information about Manulife’s Peso Smart and other Impact Agenda initiatives, visit manulife.com.ph.

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