The Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), successfully held a two-day Training-Workshop on Financial Literacy, Bookkeeping, and Diskartepreneurship last May 22–23, 2025, in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.
The event forms part of the externally funded research-cum-extension project, “Scaling up Bungulan Bananas and Taro-Based Enterprise in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.” Spearheaded by Business Team Leader Dr. Charmie L. Ancheta, the training aimed to strengthen the entrepreneurial and financial skills of the Lake Sebu Indigenous Women and Farmers Association (LASIWFA)—equipping them with practical tools to thrive as micro-entrepreneurs and smallholder farmers.
The sessions focused on enhancing beneficiaries’ capacity in financial management, recordkeeping, and strategic thinking—key to sustaining their banana and taro enterprises. Three expert speakers led dynamic and interactive discussions tailored to the needs of local agripreneurs.
Ms. Sheilu Amor Q. Wawa, MBA, kicked off the first session on Financial Literacy, guiding participants through essential topics such as budgeting, saving, responsible credit use, and wise spending. Participants developed simple, practical financial plans aligned with their raw material and production expenses.
Mr. Denmark N. Dizo, CPA, followed with the Bookkeeping module, introducing basic accounting principles, inventory tracking, and cost management. He emphasized the importance of accurate income statements in assessing profitability and guiding business decisions.
In the final session on Diskartepreneurship, Mr. Johnty F. Ventilacion inspired attendees to cultivate a proactive and innovative entrepreneurial mindset. He emphasized leveraging creativity, resourcefulness, and collaboration to overcome limitations and seize opportunities.
After the workshop, the SKSU team and representatives from DA–Region XII visited the project site in Barangay Klubi, Lake Sebu, to assess the designated area for banana and taro production.
By the conclusion of the training, LASIWFA members demonstrated increased confidence and capability in budgeting, financial planning, recordkeeping, and strategic thinking—critical steps toward expanding their agribusiness ventures.
This initiative, led by Cyril John A. Domingo, with support from Dr. Joell H. Lales of DA-BAR and Dr. Samson L. Molao, President of SKSU, underscores the university’s commitment to inclusive economic growth and rural development through research-driven community empowerment.
This initiative strongly aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 1: No Poverty and SDG No. 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. By equipping indigenous women and farmers with financial literacy, bookkeeping, and entrepreneurial skills, the project directly addresses the root causes of poverty by empowering individuals with tools for economic self-sufficiency. At the same time, it promotes sustainable livelihood development, job creation, and inclusive economic participation, contributing to long-term rural prosperity and resilience.
Through programs like these, SKSU continues to deliver high-impact, grassroots-focused interventions that foster sustainable livelihoods and uplift local communities.
