22 March 2025, St. Pölten – Over 30 Filipino women in Austria gained practical knowledge in managing personal finances, saving for the future, and building long-term wealth at the Financial Empowerment Seminar for Women, organized by the Philippine Embassy in Vienna on 22 March 2025 in St. Pölten, Lower Austria in celebration of the National Women’s Month under the theme “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas.”

The seminar featured a lecture by Ms. Angelica Vuzem-dela Rosa, an investment consultant and former financial adviser to diplomatic missions at UniCredit Bank Austria AG, who provided guidance on budgeting, asset-building, responsible borrowing, and investment options tailored to different financial goals. Attendees also received worksheets to help map out their monthly budgets, set savings and retirement targets.

In his remarks, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Mr. Zoilo A. Velasco highlighted the lasting benefits and impact of women’s financial empowerment on families and communities.“Empowering women through financial literacy is something that we should be doing across every nation, in every community. But of course, being empowered has to start somewhere—and it starts with education,” he said. 

Officials from the City of St. Pölten, including State Councilor Mag. Renate Gamsjäger and Ms. Martina Eigelsreiter of the Diversity Office also welcomed the Filipino community and shared Austria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen gender equality.  The program concluded with an interactive Q&A session, and awarding of certificates of appreciation. END.