By Karren Jay G. Asgar

Participants gather for a photo opportunity during the 2025 National Women’s Month observance, which featured a seminar on Financial Management and Budgeting held on March 29, 2025, at the Mary Thomas Building AVR 2.

Central Philippine University (CPU), dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering communities, has been actively observing the 2025 National Women’s Month in support of the Philippine Commission on Women. Recently, the university hosted a “Seminar on Financial Management and Budgeting,” as part of the “Women and Development Program 2: Empowering Women Through Livelihood Rehabilitation and Holistic Development.” The seminar took place on March 29, 2025, at Mary Thomas Building AVR 2.

Organized by the CPU Gender and Development Committee in collaboration with the Community Engagement and Service-Learning (CESL) Center; Review, Continuing Education, and Consultancy Center (RCECC); and School of Graduate Studies, the seminar attracted a diverse group of participants, including students, faculty, staff, parents, and local community leaders. This year’s national women’s month celebration carries the sub-theme: “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas.”

The event opened with registration by the RCECC, followed by an opening prayer from Prof. Maria Fe B. Dequito, a GAD Committee member. Dr. Dimpna C. Castigador, Director of the Office for Institutional Development, delivered the welcome remarks. Afterward, Dr. Althea U. Denuevo, Assistant Dean of the School of Graduate Studies introduced the resource speaker.

The topic on “Lecture-Discussion: Seminar on Financial Management and Budgeting” was insightfully delivered by Dr. Jet R. Nillos, CPU Retirement Officer and faculty member of the School of Graduate Studies & College of Business and Accountancy of Central Philippine University. In her presentation, Dr. Nillos emphasized the importance of sound financial management in both personal and organizational settings. She discussed key budgeting principles, effective resource allocation, and strategies for financial sustainability. Throughout her presentation, she provided practical insights on financial planning, debt management, and investment strategies, highlighting the need for discipline and foresight in handling finances. She also underscored the significance of budgeting as a tool for achieving financial stability and long-term goals.

An open forum for questions and clarifications was held at the end of the session, providing participants with the opportunity to engage directly with the resource speaker. Afterward, a certificate and a token of appreciation were presented to the resource speaker for her valuable contributions to making the seminar a success.

The event ended with closing remarks delivered by Dr. Lenny P. Mucho, Director of Review and Continuing Education & Consultancy Center, followed by a solemn closing prayer led by Mrs. Arlene Seloterio, one of the participants.