Talisay City institutionalizes financial literacy in schools

CEBU, Philippines — Financial literacy is set to become part of everyday learning in Talisay City classrooms after Mayor Gerald Anthony Gullas Jr. signed into law Ordinance No. 128, which the City Council unanimously approved earlier.

Authored by Councilor Rodylle Hyacinth Cabigas, the ordinance adopts the Department of Education’s Financial Education Policy and ensures its integration into the K to 12 curriculum across public and private schools.

It is also expected to be taught even in Alternative Learning System (ALS), Special Education (SPED), and Madrasah programs. ALS provides non-formal education for out-of-school youth and adults, SPED caters to learners with special needs, while Madrasah programs offer Islamic education integrated with the national curriculum for Muslim learners.

Additionally, the ordinance extends coverage to teachers, school heads, and non teaching personnel in basic education, along with city government offices that support education and youth development.

Cabigas, who built her career as a top-performing insurance agent before entering politics, told The FREEMAN that her professional background made her realize how vital financial awareness is.

While researching, she discovered that DepEd already had a financial education framework in place, and she pushed to have it taught even in ALS, SPED, and Madrasah programs to ensure inclusivity.

The ordinance commits the City Government of Talisay to support training programs, the production of financial literacy modules, and other initiatives, while the DepEd Division of Talisay City will oversee implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

Schools are encouraged to localize lessons to reflect the socio-economic realities of the city, making financial education practical and relevant to learners’ daily lives.

Funding will be drawn from existing city appropriations.

Partnerships with financial institutions and youth development offices may be pursued, but the measure also emphasizes that it should remain free from commercial promotion or conflicts of interest.

The approval of the ordinance comes ahead of the opening of School Year 2026–2027.City officials said the measure represents a significant step toward equipping Talisay students with the skills to make sound financial decisions, preparing them to face future economic challenges and contribute to inclusive local growth.