Press Release No. EBB-18-2020

Jeddah PCG conducts its first GAD Forum for 2020 in celebration of National Women’s Month entitled,
Bridging the Financial Literacy Gap for Women

(Jeddah, 11 March 2020) – The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah held its first Gender and Development Forum for 2020 in celebration of National Women’s Month entitled, Bridging the Financial Literacy Gap for Women, in cooperation with BDO.

GAD Forum participants

The Forum highlighted the Philippines’ interesting case of women having the largest financial inclusion gender gap in their favor. But, while this is true, Filipino women need to be better informed as to how they can maximize this opportunity and become more financially wise and independent.

In his inspirational remarks, Consul General Edgar B. Badajos emphasized that Filipino women are one of the most empowered in the world. He also added that they occupy key positions in both the government and the workplace, thus, giving them the opportunity to become financially independent.

Mr. Jonathan T. Celis, BDO Marketing Officer for the Middle East, was invited by the Consulate to speak before the predominantly female audience, which included Consulate personnel and dependents, administrators and teaching staff from the Philippine-curriculum schools in Jeddah, Filipino community organizations, Filipino women’s groups in Jeddah, local beauty pageant winners and contestants, and female wards of Bahay Kalinga.

During the forum, Mr. Celis gave practical tips on how women can improve their capacity to increase their savings for possible investments in business and real estate in the future.

Mr. Jonathan Celis, BDO Marketing Officer

Ms. Jijeth Echevarria, an OFW-entrepreneur and reigning Ms. Queen of the Dessert, spoke about her experience as an OFW who successfully ventured into business. 

Ms. Jijeth Echevarria, OFW-Entrepreneur

Also present during the forum was Mr. Marcelino Tolosa, Jr., BDO Vice President for Business Development in the Middle East.

BDO Vice President Marcelino Tolosa and Mr. Celis are joined by
Consul Mary Jennifer Dingal, Vice Consul Sheila Mae Briones and
Queen of the Dessert candidates with Mr. Sherwin Zuniga

END