BSP: Youth Financial Inclusion drive kicks off in Southern Leyte

More than 500 young Filipino students from Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) opened their first bank accounts on 14 August 2025 as part of the Youth Financial Inclusion (YFI) Initiative.

​Launched in January 2025, the YFI Initiative is a key undertaking of the Financial Inclusion Steering Committee (FISC) chaired by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). It advances financial inclusion and financial health among the Filipino youth, starting with the opening of transaction accounts. These accounts serve as a gateway to broader financial services and opportunities.

During the event, students heard from BSP resource persons about the benefits of financial inclusion, ongoing initiatives in Eastern Visayas, and the importance of financial education. SLSU students then opened accounts with participating financial service providers (FSPs).

The YFI Southern Leyte campaign is the first of its kind, organized and led entirely by the YFI Ambassadors for Visayas as part of SLSU's General Student Assembly. More than 1,100 students gathered to participate in the onboarding activity, setting a precedent for peer-driven financial inclusion efforts.

YFI Ambassadors are student leaders from state universities and colleges who, through peer engagement, local initiatives, and financial literacy efforts, empower fellow youth and serve as champions of financial inclusion in their communities.

The YFI initiative is supported by FISC member agencies including Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Finance – Bureau of the Treasury, and National Youth Commission. It was also supported by the Presidential Communications Office.