DINGRAS, Ilocos Norte – A total of 100 farmers from various municipalities of Region I attended the two-day Financial Literacy Training, conducted by the Agricultural Training Institute–Regional Training Center I (ATI –RTC I), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC), and the Municipal/Local Government Unit of Dingras on April 4-5, 2019 at the Municipal Civic Center, Dingras, Ilocos Norte.
The training was intended to develop the skills of participants in financial recording and budgeting, and to improve farmers’ knowledge on financial literacy and its significance to agri-enterprise development.
Mr. John Deniole Tamondong from ACPC, served as resource person on the first day of the training. He discussed financial literacy and its significance. “Kailangan natin ang training na ito para maging financial literate tayo, makapagbudget at makapag-invest,” he said. Furthermore, he also shared some tips on budgeting, “Sa pag-budget naman, it should be a balance of the income and expenses,” Mr. Tamondong added.
Agri-Credit Programs of DA-ACPC, lending policies and guidelines, and some procedures and requirements in applying for a loan were discussed by Ms. Dulce Amor Pascua and Ms. Florie Mae Lucas, ACPC personnel.
Filipino values such as Palabra de Honor, Praktikal, Pagkamasinop at Hiya were discussed by Engr. Jordan Gabur, Training Specialist II of ATI-RTC I. He wanted to inculcate a sense of financial responsibility to the participants.
Meanwhile, the Business Cycle and Character of Successful Agri-Enterprise was discussed by Janese Pasion, an Agricultural Technologist from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Burgos, Ilocos Norte.
As one of the highlights of the activity, Engr. Karen Joy Cagaoan, Agricultural Technologist from LGU-Burgos, Ilocos Norte, discussed the proper financial recording, bookkeeping, and auditing. She provided and assessed the knowledge of the participants through a workshop specifically on farm plan and budget, household budget and household cash flow statement.
The training was led by Ms. Alyssa Caryl L. Vallo, project officer, supported by training management team, Engr. Jordan G. Gabur and Ms. Chlariza Jane Lagmay, ATI RTC I staff.