BDO, Quezon City empower nano-entrepreneurs with financial literacy drive

MANILA, Philippines — More than 200 nano-entrepreneurs in Quezon City kicked off 2026 with fresh financial skills as BDO Foundation and the Quezon City Small Business Cooperatives Development and Promotions Office (QC-SBCDPO) partnered for a financial literacy and entrepreneurship session aimed at strengthening grassroots enterprises.

The program, titled “Ayusin ang Pera, Palaguin ang Negosyo” (Fix Your Finances, Grow Your Business), was held at the Amoranto Sports Complex and featured financial literacy advocate Chinkee Tan as the main speaker.

Tan, known as the “Pambansang Wealth Coach,” delivered practical lessons drawn from personal experience, blending humor with straightforward guidance on managing cash flow, building the right mindset, and sustaining business growth.

Participants included sari-sari store owners, market vendors and self-employed individuals operating on small capital.

Organizers said the initiative sought to equip nano-entrepreneurs with essential knowledge to make informed financial decisions and expand their livelihoods.

Mona Celine Marie V. Yap, City Government Department Head III of the QC-SBCDPO, underscored that similar programs remain accessible to small business owners in Quezon City at no cost.

“Katulad po ng mga ganitong pa-event, yung mga financial literacy, marami po tayong training that you can avail. Mayroon po tayong free trainings given by our partners (Similar to financial literacy events like these, you can avail free trainings given by our partners),” she said.

BDO Foundation President Mario A. Deriquito reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to financial inclusion, emphasizing the importance of financial education in enterprise development.

“Sa BDO Foundation, naniniwala kami na kapag may tamang kaalaman sa pera at negosyo, mas nagiging handa ang isang negosyante na magdesisyon nang maayos at magplano para sa kinabukasan (At BDO Foundation, we believe that with the right knowledge in finance and entrepreneurship, business owners will be more prepared to make better decisions and plan for the future),” Deriquito said.

Beyond the learning session, participants were also briefed on the Quezon City government’s Nano-Enterprise Registration Program, which encourages small business owners to formalize their operations.

Officials said registered nano-enterprises may qualify for tax and registration fee exemptions under existing local ordinances, a move aimed at reducing barriers to formalization and boosting local economic participation.

Quezon City District 1 Councilor Charm M. Ferrer, chairperson of the Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Business Entrepreneurship Development and Cooperatives, also attended the event and expressed support for sustained capacity-building efforts for micro-entrepreneurs.

Through the collaboration, BDO Foundation said it aims to strengthen financial inclusion efforts by empowering grassroots entrepreneurs with the knowledge and confidence needed to make sound business decisions and plan for long-term growth.