A total of 20 farmers, who are members of different cooperatives in the municipalities of Odiongan, Ferrol, Sta. Maria, Looc, and Magdiwang in Romblon, strengthened their knowledge and skills in financial management through the “Training on Financial Literacy for Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) and Livestock Economic Enterprise Development (LEED) Beneficiaries” at Romblon State University, Odiongan, Romblon, on April 13-15, 2026.
ATI-MIMAROPA Center Director Pat Andrew B. Barrientos expressed his support through a pre-recorded video message. He emphasized that the training aligns with ATI’s objective of promoting continuous learning, capacity building, and professional growth among farmer beneficiaries. He also underscored that strengthening financial literacy is essential to empowering farmers and enabling them to effectively manage and grow their enterprises.
Ms. April Christine F. Robes, Accountant I at ATI-MIMAROPA, served as the resource speaker during the three-day training. She discussed fundamental accounting principles, budgeting, financial record-keeping, and the influence of Filipino values on financial behavior and decision-making.
During the workshop sessions, participants actively engaged in hands-on activities, including the preparation of basic financial records and the development of simple financial statements.
Ms. Christine M. Bibaro, General Manager of Sta. Maria Coconut Farmer Agriculture Cooperative, emphasized that financial management is one of the most essential functions in any organization and that all members should be familiar with it. She added that the training significantly enhanced their knowledge and skills in managing finances.
“Dito po sa ating training, kapag sinabi nating financial, ang unang pumapasok sa isip natin ay pera. Ngunit ang pera ay isang kasangkapan lamang para makamit natin ang ating mga layunin. Kahit may pera tayo, mahalagang alam natin kung paano at saan ito dapat i-invest. Iyon po ang kahalagahan ng ating training ngayon—natutunan natin kung ano ang dapat gawin sa ating pera,” she shared.
