To strengthen the implementation of agri-credit programs of the Department of Agriculture among farmers and fisher folk, the DA expanded its financial literacy trainings across the country through the Agricultural Training Institute, as training arm of DA in collaboration with the Agricultural Credit Policy Council.

Financial Literacy training aims to educate the farmers, fisherfolk and agricultural stakeholders in financial literacy to better manage their operational finances.

For this year, ATI MiMaRoPa conducted its first batch for Samahang Gumagawa Tungong Tagumpay Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SAGUTT MPC), an ACPC lending conduit in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro.
“Kami’y natutuwa dahil hindi lamang tayo bibigyan ng puhunan dito, sa pagsasanay na ito, hindi lamang dalawang araw na pagkain ang ibibgay nila sa atin kundi mga kaalaman na pangmatagalang solusyon sa ating ikabubuhay,” said Marilou N. Maycong, general manager of SAGUTT MPC.

She also added that they are willing to cooperate and further develop their cooperative for the benefit of their members since they are the channel of programs of the government.

Moreover, the participants expressed their gratitude as they were empowered to become literate financial managers. In addition, they were able to prepare sample household budget and farm records that are of big help in their farm operations.
"Kayo po ay susi ng aming kaalaman. Ang ating natutunan ay hindi lang sa ating koop magagamit kundi pati na rin sa ating mga sariling buhay. Nawa ang ating natutunan ay hindi lang para sa atin, dapat ishare natin ito sa iba dahil ito ang essence of life,” added Maycong in her impression.

Training on Financial Literacy was held at Adventure Camp Beach Resort, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro on February 25 – 26, 2019. A total of 31 officers and members of SAGUTT MPC attended the said training.