As a passionate advocate for financial inclusion, Loreta “Lorence” Caburnay has made it her mission to empower individuals in our community with the knowledge and skills needed to manage their finances effectively. Through her work with The Project Eight Initiative, Lorence is committed to helping people make informed financial decisions, from saving wisely to selecting the right loans that can support their livelihood goals.
In this interview, Lorence shares her plans for creating greater financial awareness, especially for students, wives, senior citizens, and career workers. She also reveals some of her tried-and-tested ipon tips that anyone can follow, regardless of their income level.
What inspired you to advocate for financial inclusion in our community?
Growing up, I saw firsthand how financial literacy, or the lack of it, can affect people’s lives. Many individuals struggle because they aren’t equipped with the basic skills needed to save money, invest in their futures, or even choose loans that could help them rather than harm them. That’s what motivated me to advocate for financial inclusion. I believe that with the right knowledge, we can all make sound financial decisions that improve our quality of life.
Can you share your plans for helping the community learn more about saving and choosing the right loans?
My goal is to conduct regular community workshops focused on financial literacy. These workshops will cover essential topics such as how to save consistently, even with a small income, and how to choose loans that will benefit livelihood plans, rather than bury people in debt. By helping individuals understand interest rates, repayment terms, and what they’re truly capable of borrowing, we can prevent a lot of unnecessary financial struggles.
I also want to launch financial coaching programs in schools and barangays to educate students, wives, senior citizens, and workers on managing their money. This way, we can instill financial discipline at all stages of life.
You’ve been sharing a lot of financial tips, especially for different groups in the community. Can you give us a sneak peek of some of your saving tips?
For students, I always encourage them to save even a small part of their allowance—this builds a habit. I tell them, “Kung may piso, may ipon!” For wives managing household budgets, I suggest using the envelope system, where you divide money into categories like groceries, bills, and savings. It helps to physically see where your money goes.
For senior citizens, I emphasize the importance of saving from their pensions and being mindful of unnecessary expenses. And for career workers, automating savings is key! If you can have a portion of your salary automatically transferred to a savings account, it’s easier to avoid spending it.
You’ve attended several seminars about financial independence. Can you tell us more about them?
I’ve had the privilege of attending various financial independence seminars, including those hosted by Insular Life and Chinkee Tan’s Iponaryo Program. These seminars reinforced my understanding of wealth management, smart investing, and budgeting, and they equipped me with strategies to share with the community.
What I love about these seminars is the practical advice they offer. They don’t just talk about abstract financial concepts; they give you concrete steps to apply in real life. I take
what I learn from these seminars and translate them into workshops and tips that are accessible and easy to understand for everyone, whether you’re a student, homemaker, or professional.
What do you hope to achieve through your advocacy for financial inclusion?
I hope to create a community where financial literacy is the norm, not the exception. I want people to feel empowered by their knowledge of how to save, manage their finances, and choose loans that align with their goals—especially those pursuing livelihood projects. Ultimately, I want to see families improve their quality of life by making informed financial decisions and breaking the cycle of debt and poverty.
Any final words of advice for those looking to take control of their financial future?
Start small but start today. Whether it’s putting aside just a few pesos every day, or reviewing the fine print of a loan before committing, every little step counts, financial independence isn’t achieved overnight, but with discipline, patience, and the right knowledge, it’s possible for everyone. Keep learning, keep saving, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice if you need it!
Through her work with The Project Eight Initiative, Lorence Caburnay continues to inspire and guide individuals toward financial independence. With her passion and dedication, she’s making sure that no one is left behind regarding financial literacy and empowerment.
