The National Economic and Development Authority Regional Office (NRO) VIII conducted a regional forum on Economic and Financial Literacy on 12 November 2019 at the Summit Hotel, Tacloban City.

The forum was attended by more than 100 students and teachers from different Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the region, as well as representatives from select regional line agencies (RLAs).

This year’s theme – “Our planet’s health, the future’s wealth” – calls for concerted efforts to build an inclusive and sustainable future for the planet by harmonizing environmental protection, social inclusion and economic growth.

“There is an urgent need to find ways to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs and pursue their aspirations.” NRO VIII OIC-Regional Director Meylene C. Rosales said in her welcome message delivered by OIC-Assistant Regional Director Ernesto T. Octaviano.

In line with the theme, speakers tackled topics relating to sustainable socio-economic development. Mr. Al Rae Zabala of NRO VIII discussed NEDA’s Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) Framework and Action Plan while Ms. Rosemarie R. Solano of the Environment Management Bureau discussed efforts towards reducing plastic use in the country.

Meanwhile Mr. Raoul Bacalla, Municipal Environment and Natural Resource Officer (MENRO) of Palompon, Leyte, shared their experiences in creating a community-based eco-tourism destination in Palompon with a special emphasis on sustainability.

On the financial literacy side, Ms. Erma Lagarto of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) talked about the importance of saving and investing, and shared tips on avoiding scams in light of the recent closures of multiple fraudulent financial organizations in the country.

The forum was conducted in accordance with Republic Act No. 10922, or “An Act Declaring the Second Week of November of Every Year as Economic and Financial Literacy Week” which aims to to develop national consciousness on economic and financial literacy, as well as other socioeconomic development matters.

Article and photo by:  Knulp Aseo, NEDA VIII