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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Luminaries and Life devider A soldier's daughter learns the value of money at age 7

A soldier's daughter learns the value of money at age 7

Published May 28, 2025 10:38 am
Military life and financial planning are two battlefields where discipline is a top priority. At the Philippine Army, Major Maria Theresa Babiera gets to practice both.
Maj. Babiera is one of the many beneficiaries of BDO Foundation, BDO’s corporate social responsibility arm. BDO Foundation partners with several government agencies, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), to promote financial inclusion in the country.
Empowering soldiers with financial literacy - Major Maria Theresa Babiera of the Philippine Army shares her story on financial discipline at a town hall event organized by BDO Foundation and the BSP.
Empowering soldiers with financial literacy - Major Maria Theresa Babiera of the Philippine Army shares her story on financial discipline at a town hall event organized by BDO Foundation and the BSP.
At the sidelines of BDO Foundation and BSP’s town hall event Kita-Kita, Maj. Babiera narrated an inspiring story of how financial education had become an integral part of her family’s life.
The soldier recalled asking her seven-year-old daughter if she wanted to buy something at the mall. She responded, "Mom, is that a necessity or something unimportant? You don't need to buy it for me if it’s a luxury.”
This simple yet profound reply was a testament to the financial wisdom that Maj. Babiera had instilled in her child. “It made me realize how effectively I’ve shared the value of money to my daughter,” she said, crediting her knowledge to seminars and financial literacy modules.
Financial discipline now a way of life
BDO Foundation partnered with the AFP and BSP in 2019, signing a Memorandum of Agreement to provide financial education and training for uniformed and civilian personnel. Some favorite topics include debt management, anti-scam, and even investments.
“There were stories of participants asking to be linked to people who could offer them investment opportunities,” said BDO Foundation president Mario Deriquito, highlighting the growing appetite for legitimate investment products among uniformed personnel.
To date, the AFP has equipped over 50,000 personnel in financial literacy, with financial education integrated into AFP’s planning and budgeting. "Almost one out of two Filipino soldiers are now trained in financial literacy, and we’ve developed 76 trainers,” said Navy Capt. Michael Barrion. “We can rely more on soldiers who are focused, stress-free, and financially literate.”
From duty to way of life - Navy Capt. Michael Barrion emphasizes that financial literacy is now a daily practice for soldiers.
From duty to way of life - Navy Capt. Michael Barrion emphasizes that financial literacy is now a daily practice for soldiers.
By including financial education in the personal scorecard of each soldier, the AFP ensures that financial literacy becomes second nature—not just a duty, but a way of life. 

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