Igniting Dreams: FWD and JA Philippines empower youth through financial literacy
FWD Life Insurance, in partnership with Junior Achievement(JA) of the Philippines, rolls out its flagship financial literacy program JA SparktheDream to 39 schools on its third year. Kicked off by a face-to-face session at Pembo Elementary School in Makati City, FWD volunteers mentored over 200 grade six students through dynamic, activity-based learning.
As part of its ESG strategy, FWD is deepening its commitment to financial inclusion by empowering the next generation through this program that sparks ambition and equips students with good financial skills and habits – laying the foundation for lifelong financial confidence.
From 2022 to 2024, the program has empowered over 14,600 students in the Philippines alone. This strong local engagement helped propel the FWD Group’s partnership with JA Asia Pacific reaching more than 37,000 students across the region—well above initial expectations.
FWD Chief Marketing & Digital Commerce Officer, Gavin Lai shared, “At FWD, we believe financial literacy must start early—because financial empowerment is the foundation of a more inclusive and prosperous Philippines. As the insurer of the next generation, our mission is to equip every young Filipino with the mindset and tools to take charge of their financial future and become catalysts for positive change in their families and communities.”
FWD Chief Agency Officer Nol De Leon imparted inspirational words for the students to remind them that their ambitions are always within reach. “Whatever your dreams are—you can achieve them with focus, discipline, and the right mindset,” he said, emphasizing that financial literacy is a key foundation for turning aspirations into reality.
Echoing this, FWD Chief Life Operations Officer Judith Baliton talked about the importance of developing smart financial habits early. “As young as you are, start practicing balance: spend only half of your money on the things you want, and save the other half. Dreaming is free, but it should be matched with action. Don’t just dream—do the work.”
As economies transform and digital innovation reshapes the financial landscape, FWD is unwavering in its commitment to empower the next generation. Through JA SparktheDream, students gain not only essential financial knowledge, but also the confidence and skills to make empowered choices—enabling them to actively design the lives they aspire to lead. This initiative is a bold step toward a financially inclusive and empowered Philippines, where everyone young Filipino is equipped and inspired to shape their best future.
