- March 27, 2026
Mapúa MCL and BPI Foundation Forge Partnership for Financial Literacy Through FinEd Unboxed: Financial Wellness Workshop
By: Cinderella Leilla Manalang
On January 27, 2026, in a strategic move to empower communities through financial education, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the BPI Foundation, reinforcing a shared commitment to financial literacy, wellness, and capacity-building.
The partnership centers on the FinEd Unboxed: Financial Wellness Journal and Train-the-Trainers Program, an initiative designed to equip participants with practical financial knowledge and skills. FinEd Unboxed provides an interactive approach to financial education, offering tools for budgeting, saving, and financial decision-making, while also training facilitators to extend these insights to their communities.
Representing Mapúa MCL during the ceremonial signing were Dr. Dodjie S. Maestrecampo, President and CEO of the Mapúa Education Group; Atty. Maria Eloisa R. Gan, Senior Vice President for Administration and Legal; and Prof. James Ronald O. Mesina, Vice President for External Linkages, Internationalization, and Transnational Education (ELITE). From the BPI Foundation, the ceremony was attended by Ms. Carmina Marquez, Executive Director; Mr. Manolo Roberto L. Nava, Senior Program Manager for Financial Education and Art Management; and Ms. Gladys A. Malapo, Financial Manager for Financial Education.
The MOA signing coincided with a FinEd Unboxed training session held at the Café Enrique, where faculty members and facilitators participated in hands-on sessions to strengthen their financial literacy and facilitation skills. The training provided participants with practical insights on responsible money management, financial planning, and the importance of financial awareness in both personal and professional life.
Participants shared positive reflections about the experience. Ms. Kyla Delos Santos, a B.A. Communication alumna and Head of Marketing at Mapúa MCL, described the program as an eye-opening opportunity to deepen her financial knowledge.
“I recently had the privilege of attending the BPI Train the Trainers program, and it was truly an eye-opening experience. I walked away with something invaluable: a deep sense of financial literacy and a clear roadmap for personal saving. The program simplified complex financial concepts, making them both accessible and actionable. I am excited to utilize the tools I’ve acquired, as I now feel much more informed about my financial choices.”
Similarly, Ms. Janelle Rondael, also a B.A. Communication alumna, emphasized how the workshop highlighted the importance of financial awareness early in adulthood.
“Attending BPI’s FinEd Unboxed was a very insightful and meaningful experience for me. The session helped me better understand important financial concepts that are essential for adult life, such as managing money, making responsible financial decisions, and planning for the future. I really appreciated how the discussions were presented in a clear and relatable way, making financial literacy easier to understand and apply in real life. It made me realize how important it is to be financially aware and responsible at an early stage. Overall, the experience was both educational and empowering, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn practical knowledge that will definitely help me in my journey toward financial independence and responsible adulting.”
This collaboration further aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, reflecting both institutions’ dedication to nurturing a financially informed, resilient, and future-ready society.
