15 Dec Reflections from the UP JFA Competition

Reflections from the UP JFA Competition

by Jermaine Naomi Herrera

The University of the Philippines Junior Finance Association’s (UP JFA) Return On Investment (ROI) 2021: Conquer Your Tomorrow is a prestigious online finance case competition for senior high school students that aims to empower them in the field of finance. I initially joined because I wanted to learn more about managing personal finance and investing. Before the event started, we were added to a Big Group group chat where we were able to meet students from other schools. They also gave us a kit, which contained learning materials and videos to enhance our experience. The first two days, November 6 and 13, consisted of talks from professionals and distinguished industry leaders that improved my understanding of the different types of investments and the factors to consider when choosing from these. Afterwards, my group and I applied what we have learned to analyze the investment case. We faced some obstacles because we would get confused with the computations and requirements, but we managed to accomplish the case efficiently by referring to the tool kit and video workshops they provided and by asking our facilitator. It was really unexpected for us to be part of the top five finalists, but we were truly grateful and nervous as well. We wanted to make our presentation engaging so we decided to include a short skit or storyline, and we also prepared to answer some possible questions the judges may give us. On the day of the case competition, November 27, we did our best in presenting our investment plan, and I felt thankful for my group mates who were there to collaborate with me, especially when faced with difficult questions in the Q&A segment. We were actually surprised when my group, consisting of Therese Nicole Co, Nadine Jimenez, and myself, placed second since we thought the other groups also did great, but I’m grateful for everyone who supported us, especially our ABM teachers. Overall, ROI was an extremely eye-opening and memorable experience for me because I was given an opportunity to improve my financial literacy, which I personally think should be taught more in schools as well.

The team of Nadine Jimenez from 12-Hope, Jermaine Herrera from 12-Hope, Nicole Co from 12-Fidelity won second place out of the 5 finalists in the University of the Philippines Junior Finance Association’s (UP JFA) Return On Investment (ROI) 2021: Conquer Your Tomorrow held last November 27, 2021.