ITOGON, Benguet – The program of the Cordillera regional field office of the Department of Agriculture (DA-RFO CAR) Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4K) conducted dynamic training sessions on Financial Management and Bookkeeping, alongside Participatory Outcomes Monitoring, recently, in barangay Lusod, Itogon, Benguet.
Attended by 57 members, comprising 18 males and 39 females of the Lusod-Ambasa Ancestral Domain Indigenous Peoples Organization (LAADIPO), the training-workshop aimed to equip the participants with essential skills for effective financial stewardship and progress tracking.
The training delved into the significance of maintaining accurate financial records and timely reporting for organizational transparency and efficiency. Participants learned the importance of meticulous farm recording, enabling them to evaluate production costs and set competitive product prices. Recognizing the pivotal role of farm records, attendees were informed about its requirement for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification, a vital step towards quality assurance.
Through interactive exercises, participants applied their newfound knowledge to practical scenarios, honing their skills in bookkeeping. Participants learned to maintain organized records and navigate Cash Receipt and Disbursement Journals efficiently. They were encouraged to maintain official receipts in chronological order for streamlined record-keeping, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. The session culminated in a presentation of workshop outputs, where participants collectively identified the often-overlooked labor costs essential for calculating profits. This takeaway was the realization that accounting for labor costs is crucial for achieving profitability beyond the costs of production materials.
In parallel, the Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation Team and LAADIPO members were oriented on Outcomes Monitoring. Emphasizing the holistic nature of monitoring, the participants were urged to assess not only the physical activities but also the tangible outcomes and possible impacts of it on the community. This means not just looking at what they do, but also at what happens because of it. Through interactive activities, the participants identified and categorized sample situations across the Results Chain – Inputs, Activities, Outputs, Outcomes, and Impact. In small groups, a workshop was conducted wherein they discussed observed outcomes, ranging from crop yield to changes in knowledge, attitude, skills, and practices.
As the workshop concluded with a presentation of observed outcomes, the participants were reminded of the importance of incorporating these insights into their reports, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within the Lusod-Ambasa Ancestral Domain. By Nympha Akilith
