In its continuing effort to strengthen the financial literacy and managerial capabilities of farmers, the Agricultural Training Institute โ Central Luzon (ATI-CL), successfully conducted the Oversighting Finances: A Training on Financial Management 4 from May 25 to 29, 2026, at Diaz Agri Farm in Orani, Bataan.
The training gathered 30 farmer-members of rice clusters from various municipalities in Bataan and aimed to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills in financial management essential for sustaining profitable and resilient farming enterprises.
Rice farming remains one of the primary sources of livelihood in the province. However, many rice farmers continue to face challenges in managing farm finances due to inadequate record-keeping practices, limited understanding of accounting principles, and difficulties in monitoring production costs, income, and cash flow. These financial gaps often lead to inefficient decision-making and increased vulnerability to risks and debt.
Recognizing these challenges, ATI-CL initiated the training to help farmers improve their financial management practices and maximize the benefits of government agricultural interventions. Specifically, the activity sought to deepen participantsโ understanding of accounting principles, bookkeeping processes, journal entry preparation, financial statement preparation, cash flow management, and financial risk management strategies.
Serving as resource speakers were Giselle Mangubat, TSS IV, and Rosevi Torno, Accountant I from ATI-CL, who facilitated lectures, discussions, and hands-on workshops throughout the training.
The first day featured registration, opening ceremonies, leveling of expectations, and pre-test activities. Participants also engaged in discussions on Filipino values such as palabra de honor, sipag at tiyaga, pagkamasinop, and lakas ng loob, highlighting the importance of discipline, integrity, and perseverance in both financial management and farming operations.
The succeeding sessions focused on various financial management topics, including accounting principles and theories such as entity theory and matching principle. Participants were also introduced to basic accounting terminologies, including assets, liabilities, equity, revenue, expenses, capital, and drawings.
Interactive workshops were conducted on transaction analysis, journal entries, bookkeeping procedures, journals and ledgers, and the preparation of financial statements such as trial balances, income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
In addition, participants learned about cash flow forecasting, revenue estimation, expense identification, financial reporting, and decision-support tools designed to help them manage farm finances more effectively.
The final day highlighted financial risk management strategies, including risk avoidance, risk reduction, risk transfer, and risk retention. Discussions on support institutions and services available to farmers were also conducted to further strengthen participantsโ access to agricultural and financial assistance programs.
"Nagagalak po ako na nakasama sa training na ito. Sabi ko nga po sa sarili ko, parang nahihirapan akong i-adapt kasi accounting lessons ang itinuturo sa aming mga farmers, at una sa lahat, ako po ay senior na rin. Naisip ko pa nga, bakit hindi tungkol sa palay. Kaya ito naman po ay bago, tungkol sa accounting department, na totoo namang mahalaga. Para po tayo ay magtagumpay at marating natin ang success, kailangan natin ng kaalaman at edukasyon through trainings and seminars. Mas maganda rin po sana kung mas mahikayat natin ang mga mas younger sa amin upang mas mapalalim pa ang kanilang kaalaman sa mga ganitong activities,โ Reynaldo N. Bugay, farmer from Samaleรฑo Organico Productions Cooperative shared his impression at the end of the training.
Through initiatives such as this training, ATI-CL continues to empower farmers with essential financial management skills that contribute to more sustainable, resilient, and productive agricultural enterprises.
Written by: Charls Angelou C. Inieto
