By Kimberly S. Miguel

A total of 256 farmers and fishers from various municipalities in Ilocos Norte actively participated in the Financial Literacy Program: Pagsasanay para sa mga Magsasaka at Mangingisda conducted by the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) and the Land Bank of the Philippines last February 16-23. 

Of this number, ninety-four farmers and fishers from Burgos were trained on February 16 and 17, thirty-five from Dumalneg on February 18, forty-eight from Adams on February 19, and seventy-nine from Carasi on February 23.  

The participants were equipped with the skills on financial literacy through lectures and writeshops. Two batches of trainees were accommodate each day. 

Speakers include Prof. Errol John Valdez, Prof. Divina Cayabyab, and Prof. Suerte Dy of the College of Business, Economics, and Accountancy (CBEA). 

Also, some faculty of the College of Agriculture, Food, and Sustainable Development (CAFSD) also tackled risk management during the training. Speakers were Prof. Raymund Rahon, Prof. Eugine Ramos, Prof. Reynold Guiang, and Dr. Sosima Demandante. 

This training, through LBP’s Land Bank Countryside Development Foundation, aimed to reach small local farming and fishing folks to help them improve their socio-economic conditions by providing access to relevant financial services and opportunities. In 2020, a total of 759 farmers and fishers from the same municipalities were also trained. (StratCom)