BDO Foundation financial education has now reached more than 73,000 Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel as of December 2025. In recognition, the AFP gave the foundation its Golden Flame of Partnership Award, a first for the military. Consequently, a program that began as a training experiment in 2019 now sits inside regular military training.
Why the AFP Gave Its First Golden Flame Award
Former AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. conferred the award at the AFP Recognition of Stakeholders Ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. BDO Foundation President Mario A. Deriquito accepted it on the foundation’s behalf.
“This is the first time that we are giving this kind of award,” Brawner said in his message. Moreover, the event also marked the 10th anniversary of the arbitral ruling on the West Philippine Sea. It served as Brawner’s last flag raising ceremony as chief of staff.
The award honors the partnership among BDO Foundation, the AFP, and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Together, the three partners set out to advance financial literacy and financial wellness for military and civilian personnel.
What the Program Teaches Soldiers
The partners built financial education modules around everyday money decisions. Lessons cover saving, budgeting, financial planning, investments, entrepreneurship, managing debt, avoiding scams, and retirement planning.
In addition, the program has reached personnel across three branches. The foundation’s work has helped improve financial literacy among Philippine Air Force, Philippine Army, and Philippine Navy members.
How Trainers Carry the Lessons Forward
BDO Foundation, the AFP, and the BSP also co-developed the AFP Financial Education Trainer’s Manual. Furthermore, they ran training-of-trainers sessions, so AFP instructors can teach the lessons themselves.
Six military-focused videos round out the learning tools. As a result, personnel can revisit the lessons on BDO’s official YouTube channel at their own pace. You can also read more about the partnership on the BDO website.
From Pilot Sessions to Regular Training
Financial education sessions became part of AFP personnel training after the program launched in 2019. Over time, these lessons joined the regular training programs of the AFP, the service commands, and the Philippine Military Academy.
The partners say this integration strengthens the financial capability, preparedness, and overall well-being of AFP personnel and their families. After all, a soldier who budgets well and avoids scams carries less financial stress at home.
How It Fits the Bigger Financial Inclusion Picture
The ongoing program supports the BSP’s National Strategy for Financial Inclusion. In the same way, it contributes to the AFP Transformation Roadmap, which aims to build a better and stronger armed forces.
What the BDO Foundation Does
BDO Foundation is the corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank. Founded in 2008, it works on financial inclusion, disaster response, rehabilitation, and rebuilding. For instance, it mounts relief operations, rehabilitates rural health units, and constructs school buildings.
To learn more, visit bdo.com.ph, email bdo.foundation@bdo.com.ph, or call 8840-7000 local 32542.
The Bottom Line
The Golden Flame of Partnership Award shows how a long-running partnership can change daily habits. Ultimately, financial education works best when it becomes routine, and the AFP has now made it exactly that.
