In line with its commitment to community development, Biliran Province State University, in collaboration with the Land Bank of the Philippines Countryside Development Foundation, Inc. (LCDFI), successfully conducted a series of Financial Literacy Trainings from September 4 to 18. The initiative catered to 2,000 farmers and fisherfolk, aiming to enhance their financial management skills and improve their overall livelihoods.

This project is part of BiPSU’s extension services which aligns with the advocacies of LANDBANK through its corporate foundation, LCDFI. The foundation aims to uplift the socio-economic conditions of farmers and fisherfolk by strengthening their financial management capacity, improving financial resiliency, and  contributing to sustainable development in rural areas.

Said event was participated by 19 barangays under the Local Government of Kawayan, with over 100 to 150 beneficiaries attending from each barangay. The comprehensive program was designed to equip participants with essential financial skills, ensuring they are better prepared to manage their finances.

The training featured two teams of resource speakers composed of faculty from both Naval and Biliran Campus, with the first team namely Novie Sales, Allan Bacalla, Norman Andales. The second team included Jeruel Espinazo, Jeremy Balondo, Christian Ulysses Cagasan, Glenn Gumba and Candelito Belocura, Head of Continuing Education. Both teams delivered key discussions on topics such as sound financial and income management, responsible credit handling, and an in-depth understanding of the agricultural product value chain. Additionally, the training highlighted essential entrepreneurial skills specifically tailored for farmers and fisherfolk, emphasizing strategies for managing agricultural risks. 

In a statement, Dr. Alvin L. Ampong, director of BiPSU’s Extension Office, expressed his gratitude to everyone involved for the successful implementation of the training sessions. 

"This event would not have been possible without the all-out support of the BiPSU team, who have been with us from the start,” Dr. Ampong said. “I would like to especially thank our University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. for giving us the opportunity to bring this initiative to life and for his continued commitment to community empowerment."

Dr. Ampong further emphasized the significance of financial literacy for farmers and fisherfolk. "By improving their financial management capacity, we are not only empowering them individually but also contributing to the overall economic growth of our rural communities. This training serves as a crucial step in helping them achieve financial independence and improve their quality of life."

Additionally, the Extension Office Director thanked Mayor Atty. Manolo Rubi and the LGU of Kawayan. “We are honored to partner with the Local Government of Kawayan and look forward to continuing our collaboration to advance the socio-economic development of your community.”

For the beneficiaries, the Financial Literacy Training represents a valuable opportunity to enhance their financial well-being and strengthen their livelihoods. Through programs like these, BiPSU, LCDFI, and the LGU of Kawayan reaffirm their dedication to advancing the socio-economic conditions of farmers and fisherfolk in Biliran.

Also present during the said event were the facilitators namely, Dr. Teotima A. Ampong, Julie Anne A. Arnejo, Daryl Carl M. Balondo, Jhanna Mariel A. Merino, Melvie Joy M. Palahang and Edcel Mae Corrong. 

(This article aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: Goal 1: No Poverty - By enhancing the financial management skills of farmers and fisherfolk, the training helps to improve their economic situation and reduce poverty;  Goal 2: Zero Hunger - The training supports agricultural practices and economic resilience, contributing to food security and better livelihoods for those involved in agriculture and fishing; Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth - By equipping participants with financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills, the initiative strengthens economic growth and promotes productive employment opportunities in rural areas; and Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities - The program aims to uplift marginalized communities by providing them with tools and knowledge to improve their financial stability and economic opportunities.)