All smiles amidst the tiring yet fulfilling training of the Coconut Scholars.
PAVIA, Iloilo – “One of the many lessons I learned from Ms. Malones is that we, as young people, must distinguish our needs from our wants and keep track of our spending. That is the first step towards financial freedom,” Joanne Catherine P. Garcia of ISUFST-San Enrique Campus expressed as she shared her learnings and realizations during the second batch of the Training on Financial Literacy for Coconut Scholars at TSKI Skills and Knowledge Institute, Inc. that runs from December 19-20, 2024.
ATI-Region 6, with its partner agency, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), designed this training to capacitate the Coconut Scholars in financial aspects to manage their stipend provided to them appropriately. Additionally, this will equip them to become financially responsible, leading them to acquire savings they could use in unforeseen situations while tracing their income and controlling their expenses to resist credit and loan institutions and venture into investments that could improve their lives.
Participants listen attentively during the discussions.
Thirty-eight Coconut Scholars (CoScho) attended the activity. They are from the provinces of Iloilo and Capiz. They are currently taking their studies at West Visayas State University – College of Agriculture and Forestry in Lambunao, Iloilo, West Visayas State University-Main Campus, Northern Iloilo State University (Batad Campus, Main Campus and Estacia Campus), University of San Agustin, Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (Main Campus, Barotac Viejo Campus and San Enrique Campus) and Capiz State University (Dumarao Satellite College).
Joel P. Solis, Division Chief I of PCA Iloilo, introduced the Coconut Farmers Industry Development Program (CFIDP), while Rodelin T. Malones, CPA, also served as a resource person. With their thorough and informative discussions, the participants realized their financial activities as students and aimed to become more responsible individuals for themselves and their families.
Ian Dave expresses her gratitude to the training management team during his impression delivery.
“The event not only equipped us with the skills needed to navigate the financial landscape of the coconut industry but also ignited a passion for financial empowerment,” says Ian Dave P. Octaviano, CoScho from NISU-Batad Campus.
