To strengthen farmers’ financial management skills, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA successfully conducted a Financial Literacy Training for beneficiaries of the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) and Livestock Economic Enterprise Development (LEED) programs on March 24-26, 2026 at Ala Amid Bed and Breakfast, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
To show his support, ATI-MIMAROPA Center Director Pat Andrew B. Barrientos graced the opening of the training. In his message, he emphasized the importance of continuous learning and professional growth among the farmer participants.
“This training serves as a valuable platform for you to grow in your respective fields of expertise while also gaining hands-on experience that will enable you to further contribute to our shared vision of supporting farmers, fishers, and other stakeholders,” he shared.
Mr. John Edbert S. Alcobera, Administrative Officer II at ATI-MIMAROPA, served as the resource person for the three-day training. Participants began by learning the fundamentals of financial literacy, including basic accounting, budgeting, the business cycle, and essential business skills.
In a hands-on workshop, they created household budgets to practice practical financial planning. The session also highlighted Filipino values in finance, with participants and the resource person sharing personal experiences to make the lessons more relatable.
The training then focused on financial recording, where participants learned record-keeping and basic accounting concepts while actively sharing examples from their own experiences. Practical exercises and a group workshop allowed them to apply what they learned, reinforcing their understanding.
They also prepared basic financial statements for their cooperatives, shared organizational insights, and learned proper recording of Department of Agriculture grants to ensure transparency and accountability.
“Matagal na naming pangarap na magkaroon ng simpleng pagsasanay sa accounting para sa aming munting negosyo mula sa gobyerno. Malaking tulong ito upang masubaybayan namin ang aming kita. Lubos kaming nagpapasalamat at sana’y ipagpatuloy ng ATI ang pagtulong sa mga mahihirap na asosasyon tulad namin,” shared Mr. Raul G. Badenas, President, Mambalot North Cluster Corn Farmers Association.
A total of 20 beneficiaries of the INSPIRE and LEED programs attended the training.
