BAYOMBONG, NUEVA VIZCAYA — On May 13, 2026, the community of Barangay Masoc took a significant step toward a more secure future as they hosted the seminar-workshop, “Empowering Financial Wellness: Building a Secure and Sustainable Financial Future.”

Organized by the MME 5 (Personal Finance) class of Saint Mary’s University under the guidance of Mrs. Gayle R. Mercado, MPA, MBA, the event aimed to provide residents with practical tools to navigate the complexities of modern personal finance.

The workshop was designed as a proactive response to the growing need for financial education at the grassroots level. Recognizing that economic stability begins with informed decision-making, the SMU student-organizers curated a program that moved beyond theory into real-world application.

The morning was filled with interactive sessions and lectures focusing on four critical pillars of financial health:

• Financial Wellness: Understanding the psychology of money and setting long-term goals.
• Debt Management: Strategies for reducing liabilities and breaking the cycle of high-interest debt.
• Sustainable Financing: Exploring ways to fund personal and small-business ventures without compromising future security.
• Ethical Investing: Learning how to grow wealth through socially responsible and transparent platforms.

The event fostered high community engagement, particularly during open forums where residents received tailored advice for their unique financial situations. The session concluded with an awarding ceremony where participants and student-lecturers were recognized for their commitment to financial literacy. Beyond the classroom, this initiative directly supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically addressing No Poverty (SDG 1), Quality Education (SDG 4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10). By bridging the gap between academic expertise and grassroots needs, Saint Mary’s University continues its legacy of developing “Marian” leaders dedicated to community service and sustainable development.