07 July 2016 – The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver held a seminar on Financial Planning and Literacy for OFW female caregivers on June 29 at the Multicultural Helping House Office in Vancouver, B.C.   

Utilizing Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Module 1 of its Financial Learning Campaign for OFWs, Vice Consul Ma. Charmaine Guevara presented the importance of financial planning, and the different processes and ways on how OFWs can plan their finances for their different family and life goals. 

The seminar on financial literacy was aimed at: (1) increasing the awareness of OFWs about the availability and accessibility of financial education programs; (2) increasing their personal financial consciousness on the values and benefits of being financially empowered; and (3) familiarizing them on the available financial tools that can help in the promotion of their financial well-being, especially upon their return to the Philippines. 

Vice Consul Guevara also encouraged the attendees to expand the usual monthly budget appropriations of their monthly remittances, i.e., food, education, medical expenses and debt payments, to include a fixed amount for savings.  By setting aside a certain amount for savings, OFWs can look forward to a more secure future.

Vice Consul Guevara also provided the attendees an update on Post’s various consular services and revised fees.  POLO OIC Ms. Violeta Buenaventura also apprised them on the latest development on labor services, particularly on the need to update their respective OWWA membership contributions, and the availability of online application for overseas exit clearances (OECs). 

Queries from the audience on how to save and invest in the Philippines, housing loans (particularly on Pag-IBIG), and SSS contributions and pensions, as well as concerns on NBI clearance applications and civil registry, were promptly addressed. END