Interview #1: Councilor Bobby Espiritu

In this episode of Elevate Cents, I sat down with Manila City Councilor Bobby Espiritu to explore how local leadership can directly impact everyday financial realities. We talked about his journey from working behind the scenes to becoming an elected official, the lessons he learned from public service, and what it really takes to create change at the barangay and district level. Councilor Espiritu shared insights into the financial struggles of Manila’s residents, ranging from informal lending traps to lack of access to basic services. We also spoke about how ordinances, budgeting habits, and community programs can offer practical relief. I also learned how even small policy changes at the city level can open doors for entrepreneurs, protect local businesses, and promote financial literacy from the ground up. Councilor Espiritu shared his idea of a perfect financial literacy class, which included budgeting, saving, and investing. His story is proof that public service isn’t about position. It's about showing up and making things better, one step at a time.