In celebration of the Economic and Financial Literacy Week, NEDA Region IV-A conducted the Economic and Financial Literacy (EFL) Forum 2019 at the Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU) – Santa Cruz Campus, Santa Cruz, Laguna on November 14, 2019. The Forum was attended by around 200 participants composed of students and faculty of LSPU and representatives from local government units, regional line agencies, and the private sector.

This year’s celebration focused on Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) Framework and Action Plan formulated by NEDA. Dir. Luis G. Banua, NEDA Region IV-A Regional Director, emphasized the importance of sustainable development towards the achievement the country’s long term vision, Ambisyon Natin 2040. He said that our natural resources are simply borrowed from our grandchildren; and thus must be preserved in a healthy state for future generations to benefit from.

Assistant Regional Director Gina T. Gacusan of NEDA Region IV-A discussed the background, government initiatives, and ways people could practice SCP in their daily lives. SCP is defined as the use of goods and services that respond to basic needs and bring a better quality of life, while minimizing the use of natural resources, toxic materials and emissions of waste and pollutants over the life cycle, so as not to jeopardize the needs of future generations. She encouraged the participants to buy less, recycle, avoid use of single use plastics, and conserve energy, among other measures.

On financial literacy, Ms. Karel Saskia B. Odiver of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas – Lucena Branch shared with participants the value of saving and investing, and how to avoid financial fraud and scams.

Marlon T. Nativdad, NEDA Region IV-A | November 18, 2019