The Community Managed Savings and Credit Association (CoMSCA) in Barangay Tubigay, Sinait, Ilocos Sur, a civil society organization composed of women-parents, underwent a training on financial literacy and women empowerment. It was delivered by the College of Public Administration Extension Office at the Multi-Purpose Farmers Hall, Brgy. Tubigay, Sinait, Ilocos Sur on March 25, 2024.

A total of 25 CoMSCA members, headed by its president, Mrs. Benilda I. Villaneza, requested CPAd through its Extension Unit under Dr. Alma Somera to assist them improve the management of their association.

The topics were on boosting financial well-being, avoiding financial stress, and the Magna Carta of Women, discussed by the College’s extensionists, Prof. Joana E. Rivad, Prof. Madeline A. Lopez, and Dr. Society V. Salcedo, respectively.

Punong Barangay Amador T. Caliboso welcomed the participants. He expressed his appreciation to the College for sustaining its extension programs in Brgy. Tubigay, including Tubigay Elementary School, which started in 2022 through a Memorandum of Agreement between the University of Northern Philippines and the barangay.

The lecture focused on empowering the women-parents by providing them knowledge in the proper management of their organization’s funds as well as equipping them practical ways of budgeting and spending. The strategies discussed can also be applied in the participants’ households. As homemakers, the participants also learned about their rights and privileges as women.

Mrs. Celedonia M. Campos, the adviser of CoMSCA–Sinait and former president, shared her experiences with CoMSCA as a civic leader working for the marginalized sectors, especially with the differently abled individuals. She proudly mentioned about the growing number of CoMSCA in the different barangays of Sinait which now continue to empower women and communities.   

Aside from its partnership with the said barangay, the College of Public Administration has also established its extension programs in the local government unit of Sinait, specifically in Barangays Nagbaliaortian, Dadalaquiten Norte, Nagcullooban, and Tubigay, in partnership with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office.

CPAd commits to intensify its advocacy programs in reaching the depressed, deprived, and underserved sectors and communities. 

The topics were anchored on the University Goals and the UN Sustainable Development Goals specifically SDG #5: Gender Equality, #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and #10: Reduced Inequalities.

Article by Society Salcedo.