CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) – The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) South Luzon Regional Office conducted an information literacy session for Laguna-based information officers and media practitioners to strengthen their awareness on financial issues.

During the program held in Calamba City on Feb. 20, BSP-SLRO Regional Director Tomas J. Cariño Jr. stated that the Central Bank remains committed in disseminating information and knowledge, especially to information officers and media which will help them implement their initiatives and projects.

“We are visiting the regions of Bicol, Calabarzon and Mimaropa so that more people will know more about our money, no one will be a victim of fake bank notes and they will be knowledgable and safe while using online payment channels,” Cariño said.

[Iniikot namin ang mga rehiyon ng Bicol, Calabarzon at Mimaropa upang sa gayon ay mas marami ang maka-alam ng tungkol sa pera, walang ma-peke at malaman natin kung paano ang paggamit at pag-iingat sa ating mga online payments.]

By visiting various regions and spreading awareness to various sectors including farmers, fishermen, transport groups, market vendors, OFWs, students, teachers, students, entrepreneurs, and government employees, the BSP said that they are helping more Filipinos to safeguard themselves against financial fraud and counterfeit schemes. 

The learning session centered on topics about the Philippine legal tender currency, the 1,000-Piso Polymer Banknote, and Digital Payments.

Jose Roberto Almeda, Jr., Bank Officer II of BSP-SLRO recognized the crucial role that media and information officers play in combating disinformation, especially in today's rapidly evolving social media landscape. 

“Given the prevalence of misinformation and fake news online, it's essential to have individuals and institutions dedicated to disseminating accurate and reliable information,” Almeda said.

Almeda calls on the media and information officers to help BSP in correcting disinformation and misinformation.

He added: “It’s the age of social media and disinformation, and we are looking forward for our media partners to help us proliferate factual information. Help us to disseminate what we have discussed today, through sharing it your listeners and audiences as I believe that knowledge is power and knowledge shared is powered multiplied.”

The attendance of numerous media and information officers in Laguna in the caravan ensures that a unified message reaches a wider audience through various communication channels amplifying the impact of the efforts to advance financial literacy and address security concerns.

Aside from the week-long information caravan to be attended by other target sectors, BSP-SLRO brings its PISO Caravan where the public can freely exchange their unfit and mutilated legal tender currencies with fit currencies or e-money from the participating banks.

“This caravan is our way to bring our services closer to the public as we assure you that you will take home more information that you can share with your acquaintances”, Cariño said.

[Ito ay isa sa mga paraan upang mas mailapit ang opisina ng Bangko Sentral sa mga Pilipino, so take this opportunity to ask question about the topics that will be discuss to you and take home more information materials that you can share with your acquaintances.]

The BSP Information Caravan in Laguna marks the 12th iteration of the learning session since its launch in 2022. (AM/PIA-4A)