CLFI at 25: Building bridges to financial wellness

1 of 6

By Rhea B. Peñaflor

2025 was a landmark year for Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc. (CLFI)—a year of innovation, inclusion, and measurable impact.

As we celebrated our 25th anniversary, we strengthened our role as a catalyst for financial wellness and social progress across the country. Guided by the vision of our President and CEO, Jean Henri Lhuillier, CLFI continues to champion financial wellness as our national priority, empowering Filipinos to make informed financial decisions and secure their future with confidence with the support of PJ Lhuillier Group of Companies. This vision shaped every milestone in 2025, ensuring that our programs not only opened doors but built bridges toward lasting prosperity. Inclusive Education remained at the heart of our mission, with 205 Alternative Learning System (ALS) Centers supported nationwide, including the first dedicated ALS Center in Tawi-Tawi serving nearly 2,000 learners. We reached 63,382 ALS learners and celebrated 1,034 graduate scholars since inception, partnering with 51 schools, 10 of which were added this year. Digital learning tools and Starlink-powered connectivity brought education and financial literacy to remote islands like Calaguas, proving that no Filipino learner should be left behind. Financial Inclusion initiatives surged with 355 financial literacy sessions conducted, a 788% increase from 2024—and 12,106 individuals reached compared to 700 the previous year, marking a 1,629% growth. We trained 150 community members across sectors including youth, miners, women, and cooperatives, and integrated AI modules into our National #LahatKasama Financial Literacy caravans alongside the launch of the country’s most comprehensive digital financial literacy module for teachers.

Two major milestones defined our leadership in 2025:

The Disaster Resilience Forum (DRF) in September unveiled the pioneering ‘Big Wave’ framework to tackle emerging climate and geological risks, reinforcing CLFI’s position as a thought leader in resilience advocacy—led by our President and CEO, Jean Henri Lhuillier, a true champion who exemplifies disaster resilience in action.

The National Financial Inclusion Summit (NFIS) in November reinforced our commitment to shaping national policy as we shared strategic insights on the implications of the Philippine trifocalized educational system on financial inclusion.

Beyond these landmark events, our Tulong sa Pagbangon (TSP) program mobilized ₱1.5 million in relief for earthquake and typhoon victims. We strengthened resilience advocacy through a strategic partnership with Eat-2-Grow (E2G), which named Jean Henri Lhuillier as the country’s E2G Ambassador in the Philippines for his initiatives championing resilience, inclusion, and nutrition. As part of this collaboration, he led the turnover of food bars to the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF)—advancing nutrition-driven solutions that help affected communities recover and thrive. He also presented a Humanitarian Award to Pete Henderson, CEO of E2G, honoring his social impact efforts and innovative solutions to combat hunger and malnutrition.

Special projects celebrated values-driven leadership through the “Search for the Happiest Pinoy”, honoring Zacarias Mansing Jr. for his advocacy in literacy and disability inclusion, and paid tribute to Ambassador Philippe Jones Lhuillier’s enduring legacy with the inauguration of the PJL Ambassador’s Hall at Museo Lhuillier.

As we close this chapter, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO, for his unparalleled vision and leadership. To the entire Lhuillier family: CLFI Chairman Ambassador Philippe Jones Lhuillier, Philippe Andre Lhuillier and Señorita Edna Diago Lhuillier—thank you for your steadfast support and guidance in advancing our mission. Our heartfelt gratitude to Jonathan Batangan, our recently retired Executive Director, for his dedicated years of service to CLFI and the whole Cebuana family. His legacy of inclusion and innovation will continue to inspire us. For 2026 and beyond, CLFI is committed to achieve its ultimate goal: UPLIFTING LIVES by championing FINANCIAL WELLNESS.

From Batanes to Tawi-Tawi, our message remains clear: inclusion through innovation, progress through partnership. Together, we will continue to empower every Filipino to dream, achieve, and succeed in life.

The author is the programs and development division head of Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc. (CLFI)

For further partnerships and collaborations, please contact CLFI at clfi@pjlhuillier.com.