The Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) hosted the Economic and Financial Literacy Week (EFLW) 2026 Central Luzon Forum on November 11, 2026, at the Mini Convention Center, Sumacab Campus, Cabanatuan City.

Spearheaded by the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Region III, the forum aims to promote economic and financial literacy by equipping individuals, particularly the youth, with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed financial decisions and understand their role in achieving inclusive and sustainable economic development.

The forum featured an overview of EFLW 2026, followed by a presentation on AmBisyon Natin 2040 and the Central Luzon Regional Development Plan 2023–2028, delivered by Geanne Salazar, Senior Economic Development Specialist of DEPDev Region III.

Resource presentations included a Financial Literacy Session facilitated by Ms. Ma. Lourdes Laconsay of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas – North Luzon Regional Office (BSP-NLRO).

Ms. Laconsay covered practical financial management topics centered on ‘Utang’, ‘Ipon’, at ‘Proteksyon’, emphasizing responsible borrowing, the importance of saving, and financial protection.

Meanwhile, Mr. Hilario Delos Santos, Statistical Specialist II of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Nueva Ecija, discussed the socioeconomic indicators for wages.

The forum also highlighted the role of financial literacy in entrepreneurship through the presentation of Mr. Gregorio Puno, owner of Puno’s Frozen Dairies, Inc., who discussed empowering young entrepreneurs through economics and financial literacy.

In her message, NEUST President Dr. Rhodora Jugo expressed her appreciation to DEPDev Region III for its partnership and for bringing the initiative to the University.

Dr. Jugo emphasized the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to make sound financial decisions and prepare for their future.

“Hindi kailangang mayaman ka ngayon upang magkaroon ng magandang kinabukasan, kailangan mo lamang magsimula ng tamang kaalaman, pagdedesisyon, at paggamit ng oportunidad na mayroon ka,” she said.

Attendees of the forum were students and faculty members from the College of Management and Business Technology (CMBT), led by Dean Dr. Sarah Alvarez.

Also in attendance were Dr. Marilou Pascual, Director of the Training Department, and Dr. Kenneth Armas, Director of the Planning and Development Office, together with the University’s planning officers.

The activity forms part of the observance of Economic and Financial Literacy Week, pursuant to Republic Act No. 10922, which designates the second week of November every year as Economic and Financial Literacy Week.

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