MANILA, Philippines?A party-list lawmaker wants students to be introduced to the complex world of stock trading as early as high school to give them the financial savvy to face economic challenges as they get older.

In his proposed bill, Alliance for Rural Concerns party-list Rep. Narciso Santiago urges the inclusion of the study of the stock market in the high school curriculum, saying that the education the state provides should be relevant to the people?s needs.
The stock market is where stocks and securities of a company are bought and sold.

Santiago said knowledge of the stock market could be used to generate a source of livelihood.

?When today?s young people reach the age of retirement there may not be much social security left and in order for them to keep up with the demands of everyday living expenses, they may need to invest in stocks or other investment plans,? he said in a statement.

?By requiring a stock market subject in high school, we are confident of financially prepared future leaders,? he said.

Under Santiago?s bill, the Department of Education would be tasked with ensuring that all high school levels would have a course on the stock market. It would be up to the education secretary to determine how to include the subject in lesson plans.

The lessons on the stock market should teach students the principles of prudent investing, savings, and how the stock market reflects the state of a country?s economy.

?As global markets continue to grow, the stock markets? influence over the middle-class becomes more substantial,? Santiago said.