The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Agriculture (DA) collaborated to elevate the entrepreneurial knowledge and skills of farmers’ organizations in the province of Tarlac.
Carried out under DA’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program, the two-day capacity building aims to help the groups in taking advantage of the opportunities to improve their livelihood, and overcoming setbacks that may hindrance their progress.
SAAD Program is essentially anchored in reducing poverty incidence, and activating local food production, through livelihood assistance given to marginalized Filipino farmers and fishers.
In her message, DTI OIC-Provincial Director Florencia Balilo urged the participants to avail the government programs that could guide them in establishing another source of income aside from farming.
“We highly encourage groups and individuals to access and make use of the programs and services provided by the government. These resources can improve their quality of life and contribute to the progress of the community,” she said.
During the first day, members of the Casili Anao Corn Growers Association, and Rizal Livelihood Farmers Association have undergone training on Entrepreneurship, Know Your Money, and Financial Management.
On the other hand, topics on Business Expense Savings Training Game, Know Your Money, and Financial Management Seminar were discussed to the members of Pagdanggayan Ti Mannalon Bantog Farmers Association, and Campos West Corn Production Farmers Association on the second day.
These learning sessions were facilitated by speakers from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
On behalf of the participants, Cyril Dela Cruz thanked DTI and DA for organizing an activity that expands their skills in increasing their income, setting up a sustainable livelihood, and enhancing their quality of life.
“This seminar is very good, especially for us. I learned a lot of things that we could apply to our business,” he said.
The activity complements DTI’s thrust to provide business-related seminars to farmers to ensure the improvement, growth and sustainability of the business. (CLJD/TJBM, PIA Region 3- Tarlac)