NEWS l JFINEX-PUP Champions Innovation at the 9th Metro Finance Congress

Over 800 finance students gathered at PUP’s Bulwagang Balagtas for the 9th Metro Finance Congress, championing the theme “Embedded Future: Finance at Your Fingertips.” Industry leaders from GCash, Payreto, and more shared how embedded finance is reshaping digital transactions and personal money management. The one-day event offered both inspiration and innovation, blending expert insights with immersive, hands-on learning.

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Over 800 delegates gather at the Bulwagang Balagtas, Ninoy Aquino Library and Learning Resources Center on June 17, 2025, as JFINEX-PUP hosts the 9th Metro Finance Congress with the theme: “Embedded Future: Finance at Your Fingertips,” exploring how embedded finance is transforming everyday transactions. 

The Metro Finance Congress (MFC) is a premier one-day academic event that merges ideas, innovation, and opportunity in the field of finance. This year’s edition spotlights the latest banking and finance industry trends, brought to life by a powerhouse roster of industry experts. Beyond the insights, the congress delivers an immersive #JFINEXperience through interactive Embedded Finance-themed activities, exciting prizes, and engaging segments that blend learning with fun, making it both enriching and unforgettable for every delegate. 

Dr. Allan A. Calderon, DFM Faculty, delivered the welcome remarks, underscoring key issues and emerging trends in finance. Mr. John B. Balce, CFA, CPA, representing the CFA Society Philippines, followed with the keynote presentation, “Unlocking Possibilities: Understanding the Basics of Embedded Finance,” where he emphasized how integrated technology is already transforming the financial landscape. 

"Finance is no longer a destination — it's at your fingertips," he added. 

This year’s speakers include Ms. Kate Jennifer Enrile, Mr. Mhikko T. Ilagan, Mr. Raphael Antonio D. Bustamante, and Ms. Niechele Mae Bitara. Each offers valuable perspectives on embedded finance and its impact on modern-day transactions. 

The first speaker, Ms. Kate Jennifer Enrile from GCash, opened the panel discussion with her talk, “Swipe and Shop: Empowering Smart Spending with Embedded Finance.” She challenged the traditional view of money as merely a tool for spending, instead presenting it as a means to achieve freedom and security. “Growing wealth means starting small but starting early,” Enrile emphasized, encouraging delegates to develop healthy financial habits as early as possible. 

Mr. Mhikko T. Ilagan from Payreto, the second speaker, continued the discussion with his talk, “Click, Pay, Done: Propelling Growth with Embedded Finance.” he emphasized that the critical question for finance students is not how much money one has, but how effectively it is managed.  

Ilagan highlighted the often-overlooked role of embedded payment systems, noting that “the quiet payment buttons wedged into apps” serve as the backbone of frictionless business operations. He underscored how reselling payment gateways and streamlining transactions empower businesses by enabling faster, more secure, and accessible financial services to thrive in today’s digital economy. 

Mr. Henry B. Prudente, the panel discussion moderator, steered the conversation with Ms. Kate Jennifer Enrile and Mr. Mhikko T. Ilagan, focusing on emerging financial trends such as cashback and rewards systems that promote smart spending.  

The panel also explored critical issues, including data privacy, essential fintech competencies, and the importance of continuous learning to keep pace with the evolving financial landscape. They emphasized embedded finance as an accessible, inclusive, and comprehensive system that empowers users across all sectors and supports anyone striving for growth and long-term value. 

The Open Forum provided an avenue for delegates to raise questions and deepen their understanding of the topics discussed. The speakers emphasized that trust in online financial services begins with genuine care and active engagement. They expressed an optimistic outlook for the financial sector, citing expanded access as a key driver of opportunity.  

The discussion also highlighted the influence of social media on financial habits and identified artificial intelligence as a transformative trend to monitor closely. For those aspiring to pursue global careers, the speakers stressed the importance of developing ingenuity, which is a skill increasingly valued by international employers seeking innovative Filipino finance professionals. 

At exactly 1:10 PM, the afternoon session commenced with a Fireside Discussion titled “The Future of Financial Leadership: Thriving in a Seamless Digital Economy.” The discussion featured Mr. Freddie Maligaya from Fil-Global Immigration Services Corporation and Mr. Kev Alay-ay, Country Manager of Sait. Both speakers shared their insights on navigating leadership in a fast-evolving digital financial landscape, emphasizing adaptability, global competence, and the growing demand for innovative thinking in a borderless economy. 

Keynote speaker Mr. Raphael Antonio D. Bustamante, Wealth Trainer from COL Financial Group, delivered an engaging talk titled “Turning Digital Access to Real Investment Opportunities,” anchored in the belief that “every Filipino deserves to be rich.” he encouraged aspiring finance professionals to actively participate in the online money movement.  

“We can use the internet, or the internet will use us,” he stressed, highlighting how digital platforms can serve as powerful tools for inclusive wealth-building. Bustamante emphasized that embracing digital finance is essential to achieving broader financial empowerment for all Filipinos. 

Ms. Niechele Mae Bitara from Pru Life UK | Axis Life Insurance Agency (AXLIA) delivered a talk titled “Building Financial Confidence Through Embedded Insurance,” where she explored how insurance is becoming an integral part of everyday financial experiences. She emphasized that embedded insurance offers key features such as instant access, simplicity, low friction, targeted coverage, and affordability.  

The second panel discussion, “Smart Finance: Invest Wisely, Insure Safely,” moderated by Asst. Prof. Christian Neil A. Ramos featured Mr. Raphael Antonio D. Bustamante and Ms. Niechele Mae Bitara. The panel focused on practical strategies for achieving financial growth while ensuring protection.  

Speakers emphasized the value of risk-adjusted returns and strategic asset allocation as essential components in building diversified and resilient portfolios. These insights reflect the real-world application of financial concepts that students regularly encounter in their academic training. On the topic of insurance, the panel encouraged delegates to assess transparency, credibility, and customer-oriented policies when selecting providers in a rapidly evolving market. 

“Insurance doesn’t make you rich,  but it helps you avoid being broke,” Bitara stated, underscoring how accessible protection can prevent financial setbacks and promote long-term security. 

As the 9th MFC momentum gradually settled, the event moved toward recognition and celebration of excellence and innovation. The JFINEX-PUP concluded its series of academic competitions with the official awarding of winners. From May 30 to June 5, 2025, they hosted the Seamless Swipe: The Embedded Dream Card Competition, a week-long challenge to test innovation and strategic thinking in financial technology. Designing innovative credit or debit cards featuring integrated financial elements and personalized vision boards, Team A&F Visionaries Partner, Angelo N. Hufancia and Frances May C. Regidor, bagged both the Championship and People’s Choice Award. They were followed by Caitlin Faith A. Hashimoto and Frederick Gabriel A. Ramos of Team CaitFredded as First Runner Up and Team Double Impact, Denisse Monica M. Dalangin and John Carlo L. Falculan as Second Runner Up.  

 Following this, the organization held the Finance Quest: Integrate to Elevate Competition on June 9, 2025, which focused on the integration of finance concepts and real-world applications through board game-inspired challenges. Team Reizy by Zyrrus O. Tenebro and Rachel Leigh C. Pepito was declared champion, with Team Double Impact finishing as first runner-up, and Team Finbud by Bart Patrick J. Familiar and Fatima Fei C. Usigan placed second runner-up. Participants were also recognized for their enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment to the spirit of academic excellence reflected through the strong engagement with real-world finance and technology applications.  

The JFINEX Elite Singers and Music Jammers, together with the Finex Dance Company, featured lively performances and graced the program with dynamic dance presentations, turning up the energy for the day’s event. Exciting raffles and prizes further heightened the thrill, keeping the audience engaged and energized from start to finish. Alongside, Ms. Deanna Margaret B. Baldosa and Ms. April Joy C. Cabaya served as hosts of the 9th Metro Finance Congress, facilitating the program and maintaining the event’s smooth flow throughout the day. 

Esteemed delegates from the Junior Financial Executives Partner Organizations of National College of Business and Arts – Fairview, National University – MOA, and National University – Main Campus, along with our sponsors and dedicated partner organizations. The event was proudly co-presented by PRU Life UK, RED Images, COL Financial, Franchise Manila and made even more impactful through the generous support of event sponsors, Gardenia, Gardenia Toasties, Gardenia Cream Roll, Le'rese, HomeRoom, Tony & Jackey, FlowerStore.ph, Potico.ph, RDL Pharmaceutical Laboratory Inc., Ustel Philippines, Payreto Services Inc., Uni Philippines, and major sponsors, Kirstech Digitals, Soleflight Shoes Trading, Icons of Change, Star City, Motivo, in partnership with GCash and Red Cloud Interactive. Media partners Edge TV, The Philippine Star, The News Channel, MegaBites, Magic 89.9 for promoting the event, and creating buzz across multiple platforms. Special thanks to Coconut Printing, Mj COSMETICS, Ash Tech, Block Tides, Kadakareer, Smart, Cravedt, Sol Cafe, Maybank, JJEM Trading, Fil-Gblobal, Fil-Pass for setting up interactive booths for the event, and Greenwich, our official food partner. Lastly, special thanks go to The Luminary, JFINEX Creatives, JFINEX Submrge, and JFINEX Creatives for their consistent involvement and meaningful contributions. The success of the congress would not have been possible without their instrumental support and contributions. 

While there were hundreds of delegates in attendance in Bulwagang Balagtas interested in learning about concepts, they viewed it as preparing them to engage in action towards the future. The world of finance is rapidly evolving, and the next generation of finance professionals is stepping into this dynamic landscape with purpose, innovation, and confidence.  

The 9th Metro Finance Congress came to a close with an inspiration from one of the speakers, who said, “It’s not the future anymore– it’s already happening.”