SIQUIJOR, Siquijor (PIA) — The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Visayas Regional Office recently conducted the two-day Piso Caravan in the towns of Siquijor and Larena.
Held on June 4-5, the PISO Caravan was open to the public, especially for Siquijodnons who wanted to replace their unfit and mutilated banknotes and coins.
The caravan aims to enhance public knowledge and confidence in the country’s currency and financial system of the province, ensure better circulation of coins, and promote secure and hygienic financial transactions.
According to bank officer V Gregorio Bacay III of the BSP Regional Economic Affairs, the caravan calls for a dynamic involvement and collective responsibility of people to maintain the integrity and cleanliness of currency, while promoting respect for money as a symbol of national pride and economic stability.
“Unta makasabot ta sa tama nga paghandle sa kwarta nga dili nato sila sulat sulatan, kumoton ug hugaw-hugawan . Ang kwarta nga hugaw iya sa banko, ang kwarta nga limpyo iya sa tawo,” he said.
(We should understand the proper use of money by not writing on it, crumpling, or dirtying it. Dirty money belongs to the bank, while clean money belongs to the people.)
Bacay explained that proper handling of money is both a civic duty and a legal requirement.
“Ang kwarta naga-presentar sa atong pagka Pilipino (Our money represents our Filipino identity), so we need to take good care of our money,” he said.
He also challenged the people on their responsibility to maintain clean and safe currency for public health.
“It is our desire that Siquijor will have a level of fitness that is high, mag-tinabangay ta nga limpyo ang kwarta nga magtuyok dri sa probinsya tungod kay daghan mong mga turista,” he said.
(Let’s work together to keep the money circulating in the province clean because we have many tourists.)
Bacay also underscored the importance of consumers taking personal responsibility for their financial security, particularly by using unique Personal Identification Number (PINs) for different accounts to enhance their protection against fraud and unauthorized access.
“Consumer protection is a shared responsibility. Mag -ikmat sad mo sa paggamit sa inyong mga transaction account. Dapat in every transaction account different PINs gyud because once your PIN is compromised all the rest will follow,” he said.
(You should be cautious when using your accounts. In every transaction, you should use a different PIN because once your PIN is compromised, the rest will follow.)
Bacay also reminded Siquijodnons to avoid sharing personal information, to create strong passwords, and to address their complaints to the bank first if there are any problems with financial transactions.
“If these remain unresolved, send the complaint to BSP for additional action,” he said. (CAG/PIA7 Siquijor)
