Strengthening financial inclusion at the grassroots level, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), through its social development arm, BPI Foundation Inc. (BPIF), partnered with the municipality of Manapla to equip up to 30,000 residents with practical money management skills that support their long-term financial well-being over the next three years.
Manapla is among the first municipalities in the Philippines—and the second in Negros Occidental, following Victorias City—to implement BPIF’s FinEd Unboxed program this 2026, which aims to equip Filipinos with practical knowledge in personal finance, covering savings, credit, investments, and responsible financial planning.
“BPI Foundation’s mission has always been to create sustainable financial wellness in underserved communities. Our partnership with the Municipality of Manapla is a continued demonstration of our commitment to embed ourselves in communities where we can make a real, positive impact. We are proud to be expanding this work across more communities in Negros Occidental, and Manapla is a meaningful next step in that journey,” said Carmina Marquez, BPIF Executive Director.
Present at the signing ceremony held at GK Agriculture Training Center, Brgy. Punta Mesa, Manapla, Negros Occidental, were Mayor Mikaela Socorro Escalante and Municipal Agriculturist Ernie Panganiban on behalf of the Municipality of Manapla, and BPIF’s Executive Director Carmina Marquez and Senior Program Manager Manolo Nava.
To date, BPIF’s FinEd programs, including FinEd Unboxed, have reached 3.3 million Filipinos nationwide, a statement from BPI Foundation said.
“We are glad to partner with BPI Foundation to bring financial literacy and livelihood opportunities directly to our residents. Programs like FinEd Unboxed empower our community to make informed financial decisions and build a stronger, more resilient local economy,” Manapla Mayor Mikaela Socorro Escalante said.
The Manapla partnership is part of BPIF’s broader effort to work alongside local government units (LGUs) and communities across the Philippines. BPIF’s approach is anchored on three pillars—financial education, enterprise development and livelihood, and financial inclusion—all to help create self-reliant and sustainable communities. Future collaborative initiatives with other LGUs and organizations are already in the pipeline.*
