On March 19, 2026, the Pasig City Cooperative Development Office (CDO), in partnership with the CDA-NCR Extension Office, hosted an online seminar titled “Level Up Your Ipon: Financial Literacy for Young Savers” as part of the Global Money Week 2026 celebration themed “Smart Money Talks.” The seminar drew 175 youth participants from 55 cooperatives, marking a significant effort to instill financial discipline among young Filipinos. It encouraged them to adopt smart saving habits and steer clear of common spending pitfalls in today’s digital age.

Mr. Jordan Patente, “The Joyful Entrepreneur”, captivated participants as he shared how he pursued and shaped his dream of becoming financially successful through discipline and self-awareness.  Patente underscored the importance of authenticity and accountability, urging attendees to embrace the principle of event–response–outcome as a framework for taking 100% responsibility. He also tackled the challenges of modern spending habits, particularly the digital spending trap fueled by online shopping. To counter impulsive purchases, he recommended the 24-hour rule—a simple yet effective practice of pausing for a day before making any buying decision. He concluded with a powerful reminder: “Money should not be the one controlling us; rather, we must learn how to manage and control it wisely.” His message resonated strongly with participants, leaving them motivated to rethink their financial choices and adopt healthier money management habits.