SEC Upgrades CamSur Educators’ Protection Against Fraudulent Schemes
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Legazpi City is stepping up to protect educators in Camarines Sur from falling victim to financial scams. As part of Investor Protection Week (IPW), the SEC held an investor education program to arm over 270 teachers and staff with the tools to identify and steer clear of fraudulent schemes.
Arlyn Joy Alarcon, the information officer at SEC-Bicol, shared that the program focused on boosting financial literacy among educators. Drawing inspiration from Disney Pixar’s Inside Out, discussions delved into emotions like being wise with money, practicing thrift, harboring doubts about investments, resisting financial pressure, and avoiding unnecessary spending.
Given the prevalence of teachers getting caught up in scams, the SEC targeted educators for this initiative. They even signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Education (DepEd) to collaborate on promoting investor education, financial literacy, and shielding the public from illicit investment schemes. The hope is that these educators will pass on their newfound knowledge to their students and communities.
This isn’t the first time the SEC has reached out to specific groups. They hosted similar sessions earlier in the year for police personnel and in Catanduanes in April, which also had a strong educator presence. Looking ahead, a similar event is in the works for Legazpi City in the coming year.
Norma Olaya, the Director of SEC Legazpi, stressed the significance of recognizing emotional triggers that impact financial decisions. She advised educators to maintain a healthy skepticism, or “duda” mindset, when evaluating investment opportunities to shield themselves and others from financial harm in uncertain times. It’s all about staying vigilant and verifying the legitimacy of investment options.
