Tala Philippines joins Project PEARLS to empower communities and promote financial literacy

With a shared mission to support underserved communities in Metro Manila, Tala Philippines partnered with non-profit organization Project PEARLS (Peace, Education, Aspiration, Respect, Love, and Smiles) to conduct an outreach program in Tondo, Manila last May 2, 2025. The program expands Tala’s social impact and raises awareness on the importance of financial literacy for the global majority. 

Since its foundation in 2010, Project PEARLS has helped children, youth, women, and communities grow and thrive through initiatives to provide access to education, nutrition, and healthcare.

Tala Philippines sponsored a feeding program in Tondo. It aims not only to alleviate hunger but also provide balanced nutrition for community members who, without the kindness and help of donors and volunteers, would be without sufficient means.

“Our partnership with Project PEARLS stems directly from Tala’s mission to advance financial health for the global majority. Their core programs in education, financial literacy, and skills development align perfectly with our goal of empowering underserved communities here in the Philippines,” said Mia Lim, People Director of Tala Philippines.

According to Lim, it is through initiatives like this that Tala employees can witness firsthand the impact of their contributions. 

“Employee engagement is one of the primary goals of our CSR strategy. It was important for us to find a partner who could help our team directly connect Tala’s mission with the communities we support beyond our day-to-day work,” she said.

Tala committed to sponsor scholarship grants for 20 hard-working students from the community in Tondo as part of the collaboration. It also provided 500 meals that were served to the educational program’s participants.

Tala employees saw the livelihood opportunities extended to the community members of Tondo, a program that Project PEARLS established in the area. Tala also sponsored the education of 20 Project PEARLS scholars, providing financial support to underserved communities, answering the call to create impact for the Global Majority.

”This coming school year, with the help of our sponsors including Tala Philippines, we will be helping a total of 800 scholars from preschool to college level,” said Karen Beblañas, Education Partnership Manager of Project PEARLS. “Our partners are vital to the success and sustainability of the program. We cannot do it alone. All the needs informed to us by the community cannot be addressed without the support of the donors.”

High school and college students from Project PEARLS’ scholarship program were also invited to participate in Tala’s flagship TALAKayan Financial Literacy Workshop that day, in partnership with Empower and Transform. General Manager of Tala Philippines Moritz Gastl explained how important financial literacy and education can be, especially at a young age.

To teach high school and college students the basics of money management, Tala held a TALAkayan session led by registered financial planner, Jog Bondoc, from Empower & Transform  during the outreach program. The topics discussed included financial concepts not normally taught in school, such as saving and budgeting, debits and credits, and the pitfalls of compound interest. Participants were also guided on how to spot unauthorized lenders and how to avoid common scams. Bondoc encouraged students not to obtain loans until they reached the age of majority and had stable and consistent sources of income.

Through an engaging and simplified discussion, Tala was able to equip the youth with the essential skills and knowledge to responsibly start their long-term financial growth.

”Dahil graduating na ako, ngayon palang iniisip ko na saan ako makakahanap ng trabaho, makakasave ng pera, at makatulong sa family. Thankful ako na nagkaroon kami ng ganitong oportunidad na talagang tumatak na po sa amin kung paano gamitin ang pera sa tamang paraan,” said Rina Bignayan, an incoming 4th year college student and TALAkayan participant. 

Talazens, including Moritz Gastl, General Manager and Charisse Alavarez, President and Head of Finance, joined the activities including an arts and crafts session for elementary students and a crochet and weaving session for women of the community.

Alvarez also reiterated how partnerships like this remain crucial in Tala’s mission of unleashing the economic potential of the global majority in the country.

“Tala Philippines brings to this partnership a track record of deeply understanding and serving underserved communities through our technology-driven data. Combined with Project PEARLS’ incredible grassroots work — from their education programs in Tondo to their livelihood and healthcare efforts across the country — we can extend the impact even further. It’s a partnership built on shared values: trust, compassion, and action. By joining forces, we can deliver not just aid, but real, sustainable financial empowerment,” she said.

ADVT.

This article is brought to you by Tala.