Mountain Province – In support of the LandBank of the Philippines’ initiative to enhance the financial capabilities of farmers, the provincial government, through the Office of the Provincial Youth Development Officer, Office of the Provincial Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer, and Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, in partnership with LandBank Countryside Development Foundation, Inc. (LCDFI), conducted a series of financial literacy training for farmers on May 27-29, 2025 in the municipalities of Bontoc, Bauko, Sabangan, and Tadian.
The activity aimed to empower local farmers from unbanked and underserved municipalities with improved financial management skills and awareness of available financial services and programs.
The conduct of the training led to the attainment of the LCDFI’s endeavour to engage with the communities by implementing a program that provides financial literacy training and development interventions. Through partnerships with various agencies and institutions, the program enhances the beneficiaries’ financial management skills, promotes agripreneurship, and helps increase and stabilize household incomes. These efforts ultimately improve access to economic, social, and financial services, fostering sustainable community development.
In support of this initiative, the provincial government recognizes the importance of financial education for local farmers. By equipping them with essential knowledge and skills in personal finance, the provincial government can strengthen their capacity to make informed financial decisions and promote sustainable livelihood practices. Through the event, local farmers were equipped with financial knowledge and skills in budgeting, saving and investments.
During the opening ceremony, Provincial Youth Development Officer Arthur Leonard B. Odsey delivered his welcome remarks and acknowledged the participants during the event.
Subsequently, Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. delivered his message, thanking all the offices who spearheaded the event, including the speakers from LCDFI and the participants, for attending the event. In addition, he encouraged them to participate actively in the training.
LCDFI’s team leader, Enterprise Development Coordinator and Engineer Roquito L. Cabras, Enterprise Development Coordinator Argie P. Sumagpang, and Program Coordinator Keen M. Geneta gave a discussion on Digital Financial Literacy and LandBank mobile banking application. As part of their discussion, some participants were asked to present and explain their incomes and savings.
Meanwhile, the discussion on Agriculture Growth and Resource Integration through Strategic and Enhanced Delivery of Support and Opportunities (AGRISENSO) Plus Lending Program was facilitated by LandBank of the Philippines-Cordillera Administrative Region (LBP-CAR) Lending Center Department Account Officer Marvie M. Talanay on behalf of Manager Monaliza Marayag. Talanay was accompanied by Account Assistant Kelly C. Malondon.
During the event in Bontoc, a participant of the event, Farm Worker Nora K. Daweg from the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist (OMAG)-Bontoc answered queries regarding the requirements for the Registry System for the Basic Sectors in Agriculture or RSBSA registration to avail for the loan at the LBP-CAR Lending Center. Farmers who are applying for insurance may avail of the insurance at the OMAG and PCIC Office which is located at Sac-angan, Bontoc Ili, Bontoc.
As for the programs of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), Senior Clerk Melanie D. Balicdang of PCIC-Buguias and General Clerk Marjorie G. Libang of PCIC-Bontoc gave a lecture on PCIC’s insurance programs covering rice, corn crop, livestock, fisheries, non-crop, high-value crop, and credit and life term.
In response to the initiative, farmers from Sabangan, upper Bauko, and the barangay officials in Sadsadan, Bauko led by Brgy. Captain Sherbert Calde Lawilao expressed their gratitude for the team’s effort in conducting the training.
Mayor Randolf “Randy” T. Awisan, Vice Mayor Bartolome Badecao, and Sangguniang Bayan members of Bauko also expressed their appreciation to the facilitators of the training and also encouraged the participants to participate and learn from the presentations and lectures of the team.
In Tadian, Municipal Agriculturist Mary Aida C. Padiowan-Sulipa and the participants thanked the team for the conduct of the said training during the afternoon session at the 4th Floor, Trading Center, Poblacion, Tadian.
After all the questions of the participants had been answered by the speakers, Executive Assistant and Dr. Rolando D. Bragado representing Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. delivered the closing remarks. By MP-PIO
