On January 27, 2024, UBHS sparkled with wisdom as the “Money Matters” webinar lit up screens via Google Meet. More than just a lesson, this online event beamed crucial insights into the minds of UBHS students. It wasn’t just about education—it joined forces with the lively Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) meeting, emphasizing how understanding money plays a big role in creating a future free from poverty (SDG #1) and boosting strong economic growth (SDG #8).
Esteemed speakers, Ms. Shareena Kaye Barry, a distinguished UBHS alumna and Real Estate executive assistant, and Ms. Alyssa Lovely Lapada, a revered UBHS alumna and licensed financial advisor, shared their extensive knowledge in financial literacy.
Shareena Barry illuminated essential aspects of cultivating prudent money management habits tailored to the Gen Z cohort. Emphasizing the importance of a supportive network, technological tools for expenditure tracking, and a mindset grounded in robust financial principles, she provided actionable strategies for students to navigate finances adeptly. This empowered students to make informed decisions about their financial trajectory and directly contributed to SDG #1 by promoting financial inclusion and reducing poverty.
Alyssa Lovely Lapada explored “Smart Money Moves,” shedding light on potential income streams for students and imparting fundamental budgeting principles. Her empowering message, “Initiate Your Personal Finance Journey Today; Every Peso Saved Marks a Stride Towards Financial Freedom and Independence,” deeply resonated with participants, inspiring a proactive approach towards managing their financial well-being, aligning with the objectives of SDG #8.
The collaborative effort among various departments, including the Math Department, Math Club, UBHS Alumni, ABM Department, and Soc Sci Department, played a pivotal role in shaping a well-rounded discourse on financial literacy. This interdisciplinary collaboration enriched the discussions and emphasized the importance of integrating financial education across academic domains to address multifaceted challenges, as outlined in the SDGs.
Moreover, the strategic timing of the webinar during the SDG meeting underscored the interconnectedness between financial literacy initiatives and broader global agendas for sustainable development. By equipping students with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the financial landscape, initiatives like these significantly contribute to fostering economic resilience, promoting inclusive growth, and advancing the overarching goals of the SDGs.
The webinar transcended its virtual setting to become a transformative experience, empowering UBHS students to embark on their journey toward financial empowerment while actively contributing to the collective pursuit of a more equitable, prosperous, and sustainable future.
Written by Rodolfo F. Calimlim Jr and Jessae Marie R. Barboza
