The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is encouraging Antiqueños to make use of banks and other secured formal institutions as platforms in saving for the “rainy day.”

Bank Officer IV Buena Mae Rentura, during the “Peso Talks” here Tuesday, emphasized the need to save so they would have funds in case of an emergency.

“Savings need to be put up as an emergency fund that could be used whenever there are health concerns or if one is unexpectedly laid off from work,” she said during the forum at the Old Antique Capitol, held in partnership with the Antique Bankers Association, Inc. (ABAI) and the Provincial Youth and Development Office.

In addition to emergencies, the savings would also help achieve life goals, like college tuition fees or downpayment for a house.

“Money kept in the home could be forgotten or could be burned whenever there is a fire incident,” she said, adding that money in banks is kept in a vault, insured and could earn interest.

The two-day forum gathered the youth, women, entrepreneurs and government employees.

Different banks in the province also presented their products, particularly digital payment options.

“Having savings and being able to spend wisely could prevent one from being indebted and improve one’s lifestyle,” ABAI president and Metrobank branch head John Kenneth Dolor said. (PNA)