DTI-Laguna Brings Financial Literacy Seminar to PDLs in Bay

Bay, Laguna — The Department of Trade and Industry – Laguna Provincial Office (DTI-

Laguna), in partnership with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office

(MSWDO) of Bay, conducted a financial literacy seminar for Persons Deprived of

Liberty (PDLs) at the Bay Municipal Police Station on August 8, 2025.

The activity aimed to equip participants with essential knowledge on money management,

saving, and basic entrepreneurship—skills that will help them make informed financial

decisions and prepare for life after detention.

The seminar opened with a warm and inspiring message from MSWDO Officer Ms.

Jocelyn Reyes, who emphasized the importance of the “Sabon ng Pag-asa” Livelihood

Program in providing PDLs not only with income opportunities but also with practical

life skills. She expressed her gratitude to DTI-Laguna for the partnership and encouraged

participants to engage actively, reminding them that financial knowledge is a key tool in

building a better future.

The session was led by Ms. Avegail Agojo, Senior Business Counsellor at Negosyo

Center Bay, who delivered clear and practical lessons on budgeting, saving, and

responsible spending. The training was interactive, with participants asking questions and

sharing their experiences.

The seminar forms part of the Municipality of Bay’s “Sabon ng Pag-asa” Livelihood

Program, which provides PDLs with productive activities and income-generating skills

while serving their sentences. Initially focused on soap-making as a livelihood activity,

the program now incorporates financial literacy to teach participants how to manage their

earnings, budget wisely, and grow small businesses.

At the end of the seminar, participants completed feedback forms to share insights,

suggestions, and impressions, which will help organizers improve future training

sessions.

This initiative reflects DTI-Laguna’s ongoing commitment to inclusive economic

development, ensuring that even those behind bars are given a fighting chance to learn,

earn, and rebuild their lives. /PR