How to turn remittances to long-term investments

Dubai: The Philippine government has encouraged overseas Filipinos to rethink traditional remittance habits and explore investment opportunities as a way to protect their income against global economic volatility.

In its “Peso Sense” financial literacy campaign, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) has hosted a session titled “Remittance and investing opportunities for Filipinos overseas during economic challenges,” which highlighted how strategic investing can help migrant families secure their futures while contributing to the growth of the Philippine economy.

Moving beyond remittances

According to Bon Dampor, vice president and head of the remittance and seafarers division at Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), financial education is key to navigating inflation and currency fluctuations.

“Informed investing helps overseas Filipinos grow their income and contribute to development,” said Dampor during the session interview.

He has discussed practical tips on identifying investment options that provide long-term stability even during uncertain times.

“First, there are savings and time deposits for stability and capital preservation. Second, we have government securities, like treasury bonds, which are secure investment vehicles because they are backed by the government. Third, there are diversified funds, such as unit investment trust funds.”

Dampor added, “And finally, there are dividend paying stocks of stable companies for long-term income. The key is not to put all your money into a single investment option.”

The programme has moved towards a “diaspora capital” framework, which views the six million-strong permanent Filipino diaspora not just as earners sending monthly funds home, but as potential investors and entrepreneurs who can sustain the national economy.

Empowering families

Meanwhile, both the CFO and RCBC has eyed to institutionalise financial literacy among overseas Filipinos and their families.

This has sought to break the cycle of immediate remittance spending by teaching responsible wealth-building strategies, ensuring that the “fruits of migration” are preserved for future generations.

For Filipinos abroad, it is important to convert hard-earned remittances into investments to ensure support for themselves, their families, and the broader Philippine economy in the long run.