SLSU-Hinunangan Leads Comprehensive Financial Literacy Initiative for Farmers, Fishermen in St. Bernard, So. Leyte
The Southern Leyte State University – Hinunangan (SLSU-Hinunangan), through the Department of Agribusiness, recently held a "Financial Literacy Training for Farmers and Fishermen" in St. Bernard, Southern Leyte. The training, held from October 15 to 18, 2024, aimed to equip local farmers and fishermen with vital financial management skills, empowering them to make informed economic decisions in their daily lives.
The initiative is part of the university's Extension Program AMUMA (Advancing Monetary Understanding and Management), which cultivates stronger ties between the academe and local communities by promoting financial literacy and sustainable livelihood practices. The training was made possible through a formal partnership between SLSU and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of St. Bernard, represented by Mayor Edito L. Mutlig and University President Dr. Jude A. Duarte, following a signed agreement to support the community's financial education efforts.
A team of faculty members, led by Dr. Jacinto Baclayon, Program Head of Agribusiness, and Extension Coordinator Mr. Dario Aledro, were joined by student officers of the Business Innovator's Guild (BIG) to deliver the training across 20 barangays, including Magatas, Himabangan, Guinsaugon, Bantawon, and Bolodbolod, among others. The hands-on training provided participants with essential financial planning techniques, bookkeeping skills, and practical strategies for managing small-scale enterprises, which are crucial for improving their economic sustainability.
During the training, Mr. Aledro highlighted the importance of financial literacy, saying, "Understanding basic financial concepts is not just about earning more; it’s about ensuring that every peso works for you. For our farmers and fishermen, it can mean the difference between struggling and thriving."
BIG President Cris Marrie Joy Peru expressed her pride in participating in the extension project. "It’s heartwarming to know that we can give back to communities in such meaningful ways. As agribusiness students, we see firsthand how financial education can empower our farmers and fishermen to make better decisions, ensuring their families' well-being for generations to come."
This initiative stresses the university's commitment to community development and aligns with the global goals of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). By equipping local stakeholders with critical financial knowledge, SLSU contributes to the broader vision of building sustainable communities and improving livelihoods through education and capacity-building programs.
Southern Leyte State University remains steadfast in its mission of nation-building and community empowerment. This financial literacy training marks another step in SLSU’s ongoing efforts to uplift local communities and support economic resilience, especially in rural areas.
This program is a demonstration to the university’s dedication to creating lasting impacts beyond the classroom, working hand in hand with local government units, students, and communities to advance collective growth and development.
