iLab ARAL hailed at BSP stakeholders appreciation rite
By Meded Orbita
iLab ARAL Inc. was honored at the Stakeholders Appreciation Ceremony held at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Assembly Hall in Pasay City on October 27, 2023. The organization received the prestigious 2023 Outstanding Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Stakeholder Award in recognition of its innovative Project KUWARTA financial literacy education initiative.
The esteemed accolade celebrates iLab ARAL Inc.'s exceptional contributions to advancing financial inclusion and their relentless efforts in promoting financial literacy and economic growth.
James Earn Esperida, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of iLab ARAL Inc., graciously accepted the distinguished award in person. Joining him were Pearly Esperida and Rechele Capal, integral members and volunteers of the organization.
The success of iLab ARAL Inc. in the field of financial literacy education is epitomized by its flagship initiative, Project KUWARTA (Kumita, Wais na paggasta, Responsableng pag-ipon at Taos-pusong pagtulong).
The comprehensive program emphasizes holistic education, covering entrepreneurship, financial literacy, economics, and social awareness. Through Project KUWARTA, numerous children, youth, and adults have gained the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed financial decisions, thereby fostering economic growth and development.
Originally, Esperida's classroom financial literacy program in 2015, Project KUWARTA has expanded to encompass schools, districts, and communities. As a two-time recipient of the Outstanding Financial Literacy Educator Award in 2016 and 2017, Mr. Esperida has played a pivotal role in its development, creating curriculum materials and conducting research on financial literacy, actively utilized since 2018.
Mr. Esperida's commitment to the project extends beyond borders, demonstrated during his postgraduate studies at Newcastle University and professional development programs in the United Kingdom under the Chevening Award. This global exposure has enhanced the project by incorporating cutting-edge technology and community-curated curriculum, making financial literacy education more engaging and meaningful.
Recognized as the most innovative financial education initiative by the Department of Education Regional Office in 2020, the project stands alongside prestigious financial institutions such as the World Bank, Land Bank of the Philippines, BDO Foundation, and the Department of Trade and Industries as recipients of this distinguished award. Notably, Project KUWARTA previously received the same award in 2021, marking its second consecutive win.
iLab ARAL Inc. is a registered non-governmental educational organization founded by Mr. Esperida after his Chevening year. It is committed to co-creating alternative educational opportunities for children, youth, and adults through local and global collaborations.
Their initiatives focus on sustainability in communities, the environment, and the economy. The organization's education and development programs aim to nurture essential skills, including digital, entrepreneurship, financial, economic, social, arts, and environmental literacy.
iLab ARAL Inc. extends heartfelt gratitude to all partners and benefactors who have contributed to this inspiring journey, and they eagerly anticipate continuing their mission of empowering individuals with financial literacy skills for years to come.