20 October 2016 - Twenty-seven participants successfully completed the Financial Education and Entrepreneurial Workshop for Overseas Filipinos jointly organized by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Philippines/Philippine Consulate General (Geneva PM/PCG) and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) Geneva in Geneva, Switzerland on October 15.

In her Keynote Message, Philippine Ambassador Cecilia B. Rebong, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, congratulated the students, majority of whom are household service workers, for completing the course and for taking a step towards financial stability and security. 

According to the Ambassador, the current batch of students brings the total number of graduates to 298.  She committed to continue the program for as long as there are individuals who are interested to learn about financial management and entrepreneurship.

"Hangga't may interesadong mag-enroll sa programang ito, ipagpapatuloy natin ang agsasagawa nito,", said Ambassador Rebong.  She also urged the graduates to propagate the program to the Filipino communities in Geneva and Vaud.

On behalf of the class, batch president Mr. Joesel Cruel, thanked the Philippine Mission for the program which allowed them to learn more about financial literacy.  "It is like a candle that lights new views and perspectives, which gives us the knowledge and wisdom to guide us in our financial endeavors," Mr. Cruel said.

Ms. Eladet Arcade, another batch representative, highlighted the importance of constant communication with their families if they want to manage their savings for the future.  "Sa panahong ng aming pag-aaral, marami po kaming natutunan mula sa kumunikasyon sa aming pamilya kaugnay sa aming kinikita, para maging matagumpay na negosyante sa hinaharap."  

Launched in November 2014, the program is a twelve-hour, four-weekend course which aims to foster a culture of savings and planning for the future and to develop entrepreneurial skills and wise investment practices among overseas Filipinos. The program is also part of efforts to help empower women, given that women compose the demographic majority of overseas Filipinos in the cantons of Geneva and Vaud. END