Financial Literacy and Business Readiness: Lessons from GMA Pinoy TV’s Seafarers’ Family Day

For Filipino seafarers and their families, financial security involves more than earning an income. Managing household expenses, building savings, preparing for emergencies, and evaluating potential business opportunities all require informed decisions and careful planning.

These questions were at the center of “Sa Layag ng Kita: Smart Financial Planning for Seafarers and Their Families,” a financial literacy and entrepreneurship panel at GMA Pinoy TV’s Pinoys at Sea: Seafarers’ Family Day 2026, held on September 19 at Max’s Restaurant in Scout Tuazon, Quezon City.

Moderated by Angie Quadra-Balibay, PHILSME and ECOMEX Media Director, the discussion brought together perspectives from maritime operations, entrepreneurship, franchising, and education. The panelists were Maria Katherine “Karen” Avelino of Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc.; maritime professional and content creator Rinell Banda, founder of Buhay Sa Cruise Ship; Sheena Kay Kotik, President of RK Franchise Consultancy and the Filipino International Franchise Association; and Evangeline “Vangie” Dones, Founder and Operations Manager of DEEDS Inknovate Training Center.

Preparing Before Investing

A central theme of the discussion was the importance of preparation before committing hard-earned savings to a business.

Aspiring entrepreneurs need to look beyond the amount of capital available. They also need to understand the market, research the business model, assess potential risks, and consider whether their skills, time, and resources match the demands of the venture.

For seafarers, preparation can begin even while they are still working onboard. Learning about an industry, developing relevant skills, researching potential opportunities, and building connections can help them make better-informed decisions before investing.

The discussion also considered the family’s role in entrepreneurship. A potential business must fit not only the available budget but also the capabilities of the people who will manage and operate it. Household obligations, education expenses, emergency needs, and long-term financial security remain important considerations.

Why Business Connections Matter

Research is essential, but aspiring entrepreneurs can also benefit from engaging directly with the wider business community. Conversations with business owners, suppliers, technology providers, and service providers can help them understand available solutions, compare options, and identify what they need to learn before starting a venture.

This is especially relevant to e-commerce, where entrepreneurs must navigate digital platforms, business tools, technology, and service providers alongside the fundamentals of running a business.

E-Commerce Expo Philippines (ECOMEX), powered by PHILSME, provides a platform for online sellers, brands, entrepreneurs, technology providers, and business solution providers to connect. These interactions can help business owners explore solutions and learn more about the resources available to support their operations and growth.

The forum’s message was practical: having capital does not automatically mean being ready to invest. Preparation, research, and meaningful business connections are important steps toward making informed decisions.

During the event, Angie also shared copies of the PHILSME Business Magazine with the four panelists, GMA International First Vice President and Head of Operations Joseph T. Francia, and Home2US Communications Founder, President and CEO Emrah Ozkan.

The discussion at Seafarers’ Family Day reinforced principles that extend beyond the maritime community: manage money deliberately, understand opportunities before committing resources, and build the knowledge and connections needed to move forward.

About ECOMEX

E-Commerce Expo Philippines (ECOMEX), powered by PHILSME, connects online sellers, brands, and entrepreneurs with e-commerce platforms, technology providers, and business solutions that support digital growth.

ECOMEX Philippines 2026 takes place on November 20–21, 2026, at SMX Aura, Taguig City, featuring 5,000+ expected attendees, 100+ exhibitors, 160+ business solutions, and over 40 speakers.