Discipline: Finance
This study assessed the levels of financial literacy and economic em-powerment among Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel to inform the development of a tailored Financial Autonomy Training Course. A mixed-methods research design using concurrent triangulation was employed. Quantitative data were collected through a structured sur-vey administered to 400 PCG personnel, including officers, non-officers, and non-uniformed personnel. Qualitative data were gathered through key informant interviews with selected PCG leaders and personnel. Results showed that respondents generally demonstrated high to extremely high levels of financial literacy and economic empowerment. Among the financial literacy dimensions, debt management obtained the highest rating, whereas investing received the lowest rating, indi-cating limited practical knowledge and participation in investment ac-tivities. In terms of economic empowerment, job security and job satis-faction received very high ratings, while work–life balance and pur-chasing power, although rated high, reflected existing financial and oc-cupational pressures. Qualitative findings indicated that financial liter-acy initiatives within the PCG were limited, fragmented, and primarily focused on retirement preparation rather than continuous financial ca-pability development. Participants also identified financial stress, lim-ited discretionary income, operational demands, and the absence of a structured financial education program as key challenges. In conclusion, while personnel demonstrated generally positive lev-els of financial literacy and economic empowerment, gaps remained in investment literacy, long-term financial planning, financial stress man-agement, and institutional support. The findings supported the institu-tionalization of a tailored Financial Autonomy Training Course to strengthen the financial capability and well-being of PCG personnel.
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