In celebration of the 14th edition of Global Money Week, held from March 16 to 22, 2026, the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region I, through its Credit Surety Fund (CSF) and Cooperative Research, Training, and Information Section (CRITS), successfully conducted a series of activities aimed at promoting financial literacy, responsible money management, and entrepreneurial thinking among youth and cooperative members. Guided by this year’s theme, “Smart Money Talks”, and the official slogan, “Learn. Save. Earn.”, the activities engaged participants both directly and indirectly, fostering a culture of informed financial decision-making across communities.

The celebrations commenced on March 2, 2026, with the launch of the Poster-Making Contest at the Nueva Segovia Consortium of Cooperatives (NSCC) Hotel in Caoayan, Ilocos Sur. Sponsored by NSCC as part of its advocacy to advance cooperative development, the event was attended by twelve participants from laboratory cooperatives, who showcased their creativity through visually compelling works that reflected the Global Money Week theme and the importance of financial literacy.

 

 

Simultaneously, a TikTok Contest provided youth and cooperative members with a digital platform to creatively share financial literacy concepts. Both contests were designed with clear objectives: to raise awareness on financial literacy, promote good financial habits, highlight the importance of saving for the future, encourage innovation in money management, foster entrepreneurship and financial independence, stimulate family and community discussions on finance, engage youth in financial decision-making, promote safe digital financial practices, and inspire creativity around the Global Money Week theme.

 

 

From the contests, Louise Kiel S. Rafal of NSCC MPC Laboratory Cooperative emerged as the winner of the Poster-Making Contest, while the TikTok Contest winner came from San Basilio MPC Laboratory Cooperative. Both winners will be awarded cash prizes and certificates of recognition for their creative contributions.

On March 17, 2026, CDA Region I hosted a financial literacy seminar via Coop ti Amianan live on air, targeting youth and cooperative members. Resource speakers included Dr. Divina C. Quemi, PhD, Chairperson of Ilocos Consolidated Cooperative Bank and CEO of NSCC, and Mr. Eric T. Ocampo of the Philippine National Bank (PNB), who shared practical insights on smart money management, savings strategies, and responsible financial behavior.

 

 

The week continued with a comprehensive seminar on investment, savings, budgeting, and debt management on March 19, 2026, facilitated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas – North Luzon Regional Office in Baguio City. Delivered virtually via Zoom, the seminar was presented by Mr. Jim Ian A. Bautista and Ms. Nysa Lyn A. Marzan, Senior Research Specialists, while over 496 students from Urdaneta City University participated in face-to-face sessions. Urdaneta City University also sponsored and hosted the event, ensuring a seamless and highly impactful learning experience.

 

 

Distinguished officials who graced the occasion included Dr. Josephine S. Lambinicio, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Atty. Michael Henry C. Sevilleja, OIC from the Office of the Vice President for Administrative Affairs, Dr. Pelilia C. Veloso, Dean of the College of Business Management and Accountancy, Ms. Lourdes Z. Cruz, MBA, BSBA Program Head, Dr. Elisa C. Cristobal, Adviser, Junior Financial Executives of Urdaneta City University. Support was also extended by Atty. Frederick Joe N. Robles, CDA Region I Director, represented by Mr. Sherwin M. Arcipe, Sr. CDS-CSFS, alongside Ms. Mylene M. Mazo, Acting Sr. CDS-CRITS, and Mr. Van Ian Enriques, Sr. CDS-CPDAS.

 

 

Through the collaboration of CDA Region I units, partner cooperatives, and educational institutions, Global Money Week 2026 successfully reached youth and cooperative members, strengthened their financial knowledge, encouraged responsible money management, and inspired creativity and innovation in addressing financial challenges. The activities highlighted CDA Region I’s continued commitment to financial literacy as a foundation for cooperative growth, youth empowerment, and community development.

 

 

 

Prepared by:

 

Rocelyn C. Banayat

CDS II – CSF Section