MANILA, Philippines – Feeding a piggy bank with loose change has long been part of the Filipino way of saving. Using coin banks or alkansya made of materials ranging from bamboo, coconut and tin cans, Filipino savers regularly feed their piggy banks with small change until these banks are full and ready to be opened.
In the past, especially during the war era, Filipinos taught their children the values of pagtitipid and pagsisinop as essential tools for survival. However, these traditional values have disappeared, with the rise of commercialism. Even adults have forgotten how to save, given the growing trend towards cashless purchases, or the use of credit cards.
Savings advocacy
Six years ago, the new management team of The Real Bank, together with its partners, the Department of Education and MaryLindbert International launches Bata… Bata… Mag-impok at Magsinop, a comprehensive savings advocacy programmed aimed at reorienting Filipino children to the values of saving and the wise use of resources.
This educational program currently covers more than 120 participating schools located in the National Capital Region, Region 3, Region 4A, Cebu and Davao. It was the recipient of the 44th Bronze Anvil Award, for its Mga Kwento ni Lolo Pepe storybook, which contains the real-life saving and thriftness experiences of The Real Bank’s chairman, Jose G. Araullo. Last year, the program’s annual tri-competition on painting, eassay-writing and story-telling for elementary students received an Award of Merit from the 45th Anvil Awards.
The Alkansya
In line with its corporate vision “Upholding Filipino Values, Supporting Filipino Dreams,” Real Bank celebrates its 34th anniversary by bringing back the tradition of the pig-shaped alkansya.
Jose G. Araullo, The Real Bank’s chairman of the board, learned the values of pagtitipid and pagsisinop at an early age, when he first began saving money using his shoe-shaped alkansya. To this day, the chairman acknowledges the significant impact that saving continues to have on his character, his level of discipline, and his career.
Alkansya para sa bawat Pilipino. This is The Real Bank’s desire for every Filipino child, working professional and entrepreneur. The Real Bank’s management team strongly believes that retracing the path of these authentic Filipino values of saving and thriftiness, through the alkansya, are effective tools for personal financial success, as well as nation-building.