SEC champions smart investing, financial safety

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Cagayan de Oro Extension Office emphasized the importance of financial literacy, responsible decision-making, and safe investment practices during an episode of Talakayan sa PIA aired on December 3.

SEC Information Officer Neil Maynard Conde said the Investor Protection Week (IPW) is observed annually in November to raise public awareness on financial safety, investment red flags, and available legal platforms.

“Every second week of November, we observe the Investor Protection Week, a week-long event focused on financial literacy and investor education, through roadshows, seminars, and media initiatives. We do this to inform the public about financial literacy, making wise decisions, and approaches, while also continuing our programs that focus on investor education,” Conde said.

He added that this year’s activities focused on helping the public identify legitimate investment platforms, noting the increasing awareness of scam indicators. He reminded the public to exercise caution when considering investment opportunities.

“So much risk gyud [ang pag invest] maong dili gyud mag kumpyansa sa pag hatag sa mga kwarta. I-secure atoang mga kwarta kung dili ta sure sa mga gapa invite nato og investment, kay grabe gyud ang risk nga ka-akibat ana,” Conde said.

(There is really a lot of risk in investing, which is why we should not be complacent in giving out our money. We need to secure our money if we’re not sure about those inviting us to invest, because the risks involved are serious.)

While previous campaigns mainly targeted students, the SEC is now reaching out to young professionals, a group increasingly vulnerable to scams due to their income and spending capacity. The SEC is partnering with academic institutions, government agencies, and private organizations to broaden the reach of financial education.

Likewise, SEC Securities Specialist Dioselu Rhea Salcedo emphasized the need for financial discipline at a young age.

“Kinahanglan at a young age is mag start na gyud sila to learn to save para as you go to the adult stage when working, they know how to use their money wisely. So at the age na mag-retire na ta financially independent and stable na ta,” she said.

(They really need to start learning to save at a young age so that by the time they reach adulthood and start working, they already know how to use their money wisely. That way, by the time we retire, we are financially independent and stable.)

The SEC also urged the public to verify lending and financing institutions before engaging with them amid the proliferation of online lending apps.

Salcedo pointed out that the SEC’s website and mobile app provide updated lists of registered entities and those with secondary licenses. She advised borrowers to review interest rates, charges, and penalties before taking out a loan.

“Ang Securities and Exchange Commission ang primary ga supervise and ga monitor sa lending and financing entities. So unsaon nato pagkabalo nga legit ang company is you check with SEC. Naa ta’y mobile app, naa sad ta sa website nga Check with SEC. Check kung naa ba sila registration sa SEC and with the secondary license,” she said.

(The Securities and Exchange Commission is the primary agency that supervises and monitors lending and financing entities. To verify if a company is legitimate, you check with the SEC. We have a mobile app and a website called ‘Check with SEC.’ You can check if they are registered with the SEC and if they have a secondary license.)

The SEC Cagayan de Oro Extension Office continues to handle walk-in and email complaints related to scams, harassment by online lenders, and other financial concerns. The office also continues to run information campaigns to promote financially informed and protected communities. (STMM/PIA-10).