BSP exhibit to teach kids about 'money matters'

An ongoing three-month-long exhibit in Manila is encouraging children aged two to 12 to save money. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amado Tetangco Jr. opened the "Money Matters for Kids" exhibit at the Galeriya Bangko Sentral at the Metropolitan Museum in Manila last Tuesday. "The Money Matters for Kids traveling exhibit is a fun and interactive way for children aged 2 to 12 years old to learn about the concept of money, saving, spending and sharing and the importance of saving for the future. This exhibit first opened in Museo Pambata before it traveled around various malls and community centers reaching an estimated 90,000 kids since its launch in 2009," the BSP said in a news release. The "Money Matters for Kids" exhibit will be open to the public at the Metropolitan Museum, Roxas Boulevard, until October 29, the BSP said. Its donors include Citi Foundation, Museo Pambata Foundation, Inc. and Philippine Business for Social Progress. With the signing of the Deed of Donation, the three-month-long exhibit was formally opened. Representing the donors at the signing were Sanjiv Vohra of Citi Foundation, Executive Director Rafael Lopa of the Philippine Business for Social Progress and Executive Director Maricel P. Montero of the Museo Pambata. Joining them were senior officials of the BSP led by Governor Tetangco and Deputy Governor Juan de Zuñiga Jr. According to the BSP, the exhibit features several interesting activities, including:

• A make-believe bank where children can pretend to be bank tellers and bank managers.
• A toy ATM where kids can pretend to put in their card and punch in their PIN code. The toy ATM also teaches them the meaning of withdrawals and deposits, savings and current accounts.
• "Spot the Difference," which features two giant bills will help children to distinguish between fake and real bills. Children can also scan their money under an ultraviolet light so they can see the security features.
• A grocery shop which will help kids identify between needs and wants.

The BSP accepted the donation for its integrated Economic and Financial Learning Program and in line with its thrust to promote financial education. "Financial Education has been the BSP's defined advocacy since 2004 which aims to enhance awareness, develop basic skills and build a culture of saving and responsible investment among the Filipino people," the BSP said. It envisions to bring the traveling exhibit to various elementary schools in different cities, municipalities and provinces around the country. By teaching the value of money at a very young age, the BSP aims to help children grow up to be wise savers, careful spenders and smart consumers.— LBG, GMA News