Global Money Week (GMW) is an international initiative that aims to raise awareness and promote financial literacy among young people. Celebrated annually in March, this week-long event brings together students, educators, and various organizations to engage in activities designed to foster better financial decision-making, environmental awareness, and creative expression.
This year’s regional celebration was organized by the CDA CAR Regional Office, in partnership with the Abra Union Cooperative and the Abra Diocesan Teachers and Employees Multipurpose Cooperative. It was held on March 20 and 21, 2025, at the Mt. Carmel Agri-Tourism and Training Center in Pidigan, Abra.
A range of exciting activities were organized to encourage young people to learn about money management, the importance of financial planning, and how they can make a positive impact on their community. Among the most popular events were a lecture on Financial Literacy, Alkansya-making, the Dance Craze, environmental and agricultural exposure activities, Essay Writing contests, and Poster Making competitions.
As part of Global Money Week, ASec Luz H. Yringco, CDA Board Member III and Head of the Financial Cluster, shared a lecture on Financial Literacy. She also served as the keynote speaker for the event. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of saving, understanding the difference between needs and wants, and the basics of investing. She provided practical insights into managing personal finances, including tips on how to create a budget, avoid debt, and set financial goals.
She stressed that with determination and faith, anything is possible and highlighted the significance of being a member of a cooperative. Through her sharing, students were equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed financial decisions now and in the future. The lecture underscored the importance of young people taking control of their finances early to ensure they become financially independent adults.
A presentation on the cooperative laboratory journey, along with messages from the officers of the Treasure Link Cooperative Society, was another key highlight of the event.
One of the most engaging activities during Global Money Week was the Alkansya-making event. “Alkansya,” the Filipino term for a savings box, served as a creative and interactive way to teach children the importance of saving money. Students were encouraged to design their own Alkansya using recycled materials, reinforcing the value of saving while promoting sustainability.
Through this activity, students reflected on how small, consistent savings can accumulate over time, helping them understand the connection between saving and achieving financial goals.
To add excitement and energy to the event, the Dance Craze competition took center stage. Students participated in a lively dance contest where they showcased their talents. This event successfully combined physical activity and education, helping participants internalize financial principles through music and movement. It demonstrated how learning about money could be both fun and effective.
This year’s Global Money Week also included environmental and agricultural exposure programs to highlight the connection between finance, sustainability, and agriculture. Participants from the guardian and laboratory cooperatives visited the organic garden at Mt. Carmel, where they learned how financial decisions can impact the environment.
The Essay Writing Contest was another exciting aspect of the event. Students were tasked with writing essays that explored this year’s theme, “Think Before You Follow, Wise Money Tomorrow.” This contest encouraged creativity, critical thinking, and effective writing skills in the context of financial education.
The Poster Making Contest was designed to further engage the participants’ creativity. Students created visually striking posters that conveyed the theme of financial literacy, focusing on topics like saving, investing, and responsible spending. These posters were displayed in schools and community centers, serving as powerful visual reminders of the importance of good money management.
To conclude the celebration, participants visited selected cooperatives in the province of Abra for benchmarking. Among these were the SANAP Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative, San Juan Abra Multipurpose Cooperative, and ADTEMPCO- Lagangilang Branch. This activity fostered collaboration rather than competition, allowing cooperatives to share best practices and innovations for mutual long-term benefit.
The Regional Global Money Week 2025 was a resounding success, blending creativity, education, and community engagement. The wide array of activities—such as Alkansya-making, the Dance Craze, financial literacy lectures, and environmental exposure programs—helped teach young people not only the importance of financial literacy but also how to make informed decisions that can benefit both themselves and their communities.
By incorporating fun and interactive activities like essay writing, poster making, and dance, Global Money Week made financial education accessible and engaging. The event empowered the next generation to take control of their finances while instilling values of sustainability and creativity. Participants left with a deeper understanding of the role money plays in both personal and global contexts.
Looking ahead, Global Money Week will continue to be a powerful tool in shaping young minds and building a financially literate, socially responsible generation.
