PTIC-Moscow, in collaboration with the Philippine Embassy, conducted a webinar entitled “DTI @ 39 / TNK in Moscow: Creating a Culture of Financial Literacy Among Our Modern-Day Heroes – Tips to Achieve Your Savings and Investment Goals,” last August 2 for Overseas Filipinos in Russia, Armenia, and Kazakhstan. This forms part of the celebration of DTI‘s 39th Anniversary and PTIC-Moscow’s 2nd year of operations.

Commercial Counsellor Kristine Umali kicked off the webinar and welcomed the Filipino community from Russia, Armenia, and Kazakhstan who participated in the first online Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan (TNK) session that was held via Zoom. “Following last year’s introduction of DTI’s TNK Programme to the OFWs, which included the 7 Ms for MSME development, as well as the different initiatives of the DTI together with its partners, we are really pleased to conduct this special TNK webinar on financial literacy. Financial literacy will provide us with the tools and lessons on how to save and options where to invest our hard-earned money, especially during this time when we have a pandemic,” she shared.

Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General Robert O. Ferrer, Jr. imparted an inspirational message explaining the value of the partnership with DTI. “We support its efforts to empower and educate our community members, providing them with a platform to have access to expert advice on financial literacy and business. It is necessary to follow and share the best practices of financial literacy as a community, enabling and supporting each other to have healthy financial habits, making wise decisions on investments, and always keeping an eye on the future. Thus, it is necessary for us to continuously educate ourselves on how to be financially literate, even during challenging times,” he added.

The resource speaker, Ms. Blesila Perez, a licensed financial consultant, certified investment advisor, and a Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) member, discussed creating a culture of financial literacy among our modern-day heroes. She also shared common pitfalls in handling money, while encouraging our ‘kababayans’ to save money for their future. She gave tips on how to save and provided an overview of options where to invest hard-earned money.

An open forum followed the presentations, where OFIs were given the opportunity to directly ask the resource speakers questions.

TNK is an ongoing DTI initiative that aims to increase opportunities for decent work and livelihood for everyone, including overseas Filipinos. For more information on the TNK initiative and investment opportunities for OFWs in Moscow, please follow DTI Russia on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/dti.russia) and Instagram (@dti.moscow). ♦

Date of Release: 2 September 2020