Hidilyn Diaz is BDO’s new champion for financial education

Hidilyn Diaz, the Philippines’ first-ever Olympic Gold medallist, has joined BDO Unibank‘s family of brand ambassadors.

Three months after ending the country’s almost century-long search for gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the Zamboanga City native teams up with the Bank to promote financial education, not just for her fellow athletes, but also for unserved and underserved markets such as overseas Filipinos.

Despite the fact that it was unexpected, Hidilyn is grateful to have received a slew of incentives and presents in recognition of her remarkable achievement. With this in mind, she recognizes the gold standard of handling these incentives appropriately, which BDO has advocated for through its financial education campaign.

“Importanteng magbukas ng account sa bangko, kahit maliit lang ipon mo sa simula. Para lang  ‘yan nung nagsimula akong magbuhat ng weights. Start small, kumbaga. Tapos, ‘pag  successful ka na, pag lumaki na ipon mo, pwede mo siyang ipang-invest sa ibang bagay na  gusto mo o para sa pangarap na gusto mong matupad, para talagang sulit ang mga  pinaghirapan natin,” says Hidilyn, who like many Filipinos, lifted her way to success from  humble beginnings.

The 30-year-old weightlifter also advises her fellow athletes, particularly those who have accomplished their own feats, of the need of saving for the future.

“‘Di naman tayo forever magiging atleta, diba? Mahaba pa ang magiging buhay natin  pagkaretiro natin sa ating mga sport, kaya kung anuman ang naibigay sa atin ngayon, dapat  ipunin natin ‘yun para tayo’y makapaghanda, para rin sa ating mga minamahal sa buhay,” says  Hidilyn.

“Mahalaga ring may relationship at tiwala tayo sa bangko kung saan natin ilalagay ang ating  mga pinaghirapan. Tiwala tayo sa kanila kasi expert sila sa pagtulong palaguin ang ating mga  finances. Halimbawa, kung gusto kong magtayo ng negosyo pagkaretiro ko, o bigyan ko ng  retirement ang aking mga magulang, alam nila kung paano nila ako gagabayan. Importante  ring may serbisyo sila kung saan ako makakapagpadala ng pera sa pamilya ko sa Zamboanga  habang nagte-training ako sa abroad. Nakita ko lahat ‘yan sa BDO.”

BDO expressed gratitude for having discovered a financial education advocate and champion in Hidilyn, as well as for putting her faith in the bank and its extensive range of financial products and services to meet her needs and others like her.

“The reality that just 48% of Filipino adults have savings and only 1 in 5 have a savings account in a bank, according to Bangko Sentral data, certainly concerns us and the whole banking industry.” While we appreciate most people’s concerns about how they would get paid, we feel it is worthwhile to have the mentality of even starting small, as Hidilyn indicated,” said BDO senior vice president and remittance head Genie T. Gloria. “Before becoming a national champion, Hidilyn was a champion of her own aspirations.” Along with keeping in mind her hard work and commitment, she valued excellent financial management, and we are with her on that path.”

BDO officials and employees are proud to have Hidilyn become part of their official family.  

“I would like to thank you for giving us this opportunity and this honor of counting you as the  newest member of our growing BDO family. Welcome to BDO, Hidilyn!” said Jerome Guevarra,  SVP and Chief-of-staff of BDO’s Office of the President. 

All of this is part of BDO Remit’s “Kayang-Kaya, Kabayan” campaign, which embodies the bank’s dedication to empowering abroad Filipinos and making them feel the bank is ready to support and help them wherever they may be. Visit the BDO Kabayan Facebook page—BDO Unibank’s specialized page for the abroad Filipino market—for additional information about BDO Remit.