Push for Financial Literacy Among Youth Gains Momentum
Kidapawan City – April 8, 2025
In a significant move to promote financial literacy and a culture of saving among the youth, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed yesterday between the City Government of Kidapawan, the Department of Education (DepEd), and local cooperatives. The agreement marks the formal strengthening of the Youth Savers Program, which aims to educate young Kidapaweños on the importance of savings and cooperative membership.
According to Acting City Cooperatives Officer Myla Gundran, the program is expected to have a lasting positive impact on the community. “This initiative is a crucial step in helping students begin their savings journey. Financial habits formed early in life can shape a secure future,” she said.
Gundran emphasized that once student savers reach the legal age of 18, they can become full members of cooperatives. This transition supports long-term financial inclusion and bridges the generational gap in cooperative membership.
City Schools Division Superintendent Miguel P. Fillalan Jr. also highlighted the historical importance of the MOA signing. “This is a landmark step for the youth of Kidapawan. Through this program, students are taught to value money, plan for the future, and build responsible financial behavior,” he said.
The Youth Savers Program not only encourages saving but also introduces students to the cooperative movement—a pillar of community-based financial sustainability. It supports the broader goal of instilling financial literacy early on, a skill that will benefit young people as they navigate adulthood.
Why Teaching Financial Literacy to the Youth Matters
Introducing financial literacy to students is vital in preparing them for real-world challenges. When young people understand how to manage money, budget, and save, they are more likely to make informed financial decisions in adulthood. Programs like the Youth Savers Program provide:
- Early financial discipline
- Knowledge about cooperative values and economic participation
- Tools for future financial independence
- A strong foundation for long-term wealth-building and sustainability
In an age of rising consumerism and easy access to credit, teaching children the value of money is not just an educational tool—it’s an investment in a more financially resilient generation.