ATI-Bicol Center Director Elsa A. Parot warmly welcomes the participants.

NAGA CITY, Camarines Sur- The Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) Bicol conducted a 5-Day Training on Financial Literacy and Basic Financial Management from March 10–14, 2025, in Naga City. The training aimed to equip rice farmers and finance personnel from various associations and cooperatives with essential financial management skills. This initiative is aligned with the Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation Program (F2C2) which seeks to promote financial resilience, agribusiness sustainability, and economic growth among farming communities.

The program commenced with an opening message from ATI Bicol Center Director Elsa A. Parot, who inspired participants with her remarks on the significance of financial literacy in achieving agricultural modernization and economic independence. She emphasized that empowering farmers through financial education is vital for improving resource management,  and advancing community well-being.

Throughout the training, participants gained insights into effective budgeting, financial planning, and cash flow management. Workshops on bookkeeping and record-keeping provided hands-on experience, enabling farmers to monitor transactions and make data-driven decisions. Additionally, sessions on access to credit introduced participants to loan facilities and government support programs.

The training also emphasized risk management and investment strategies, encouraging farmers to consider savings, insurance, and diversification as part of their financial plans. Participants explored collective financial management practices for rice clusters, such as cooperative fund management and group accountability.

As the training concluded, participants committed to implementing proper financial management practices and advocating for continuous financial literacy programs in their communities