Strengthening community enterprise through education and outreach, the University of Northern Philippines–College of Teacher Education (UNP-CTE) recently conducted a financial literacy and bookkeeping training for local producers of the seaweed-based “Pokpoklo” ice cream at Bungro-Margaay Elementary School in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur on March 6, 2026.
The initiative—led by the Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education (BTLEd) program in partnership with the Master of Arts in Technology and Livelihood Education (MATLE) program and the University Extension Office—forms part of the university’s continuing livelihood support for its community partners engaged in the Pokpoklo seaweed ice cream enterprise.
The training sought to empower PTA officers, community members, and partner stakeholders of Bungro-Margaay Elementary School by strengthening their knowledge and practical skills in financial literacy, budgeting, bookkeeping, and product costing—key competencies needed to effectively manage and sustain their small-scale Pokpoklo seaweed ice cream enterprise.
Participants were warmly welcomed by Dr. John Cesar Azcueta, School Head of Bungro-Margaay Elementary School, who conveyed his sincere gratitude to the University of Northern Philippines for its continued partnership and commitment to advance community development through meaningful extension initiatives.
Serving as the resource speaker, Mr. Rey Anthony Vecina, a faculty member from the College of Business Administration and Accountancy, delivered an informative lecture on practical financial management tailored for small-scale entrepreneurs. In his session, he guided participants through essential financial practices that can help sustain and grow their livelihood ventures. The discussion covered proper recording of daily financial transactions, preparation of simple and workable budgets, computation of product costs, and effective management of profits and expenses. Through these practical insights, the participants gained valuable knowledge and tools to better manage the financial aspects of their Pokpoklo seaweed ice cream enterprise, promoting more organized and sustainable business operations.
The activity also included a workshop session on bookkeeping, budgeting, and costing, where participants actively applied the concepts discussed during the lecture. Through guided activities, they practiced preparing simple financial records that will help them monitor their income and expenses while managing their ice cream production.
The training was facilitated by faculty members from the Master of Arts in Technology and Livelihood Education program—Dr. Jeanina Batin, Dr. Rozen Villa, and Dr. Ma. Rochelle Cabrales—together with MATLE students. They were joined by Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education faculty members Dr. Efren Galapon, Mr. Arthur Pascua, and Mr. Marnie Tabilin, with the support of BTLEd students. Their collective efforts ensured the smooth conduct of the activity and encouraged active participation among the attendees.
Through this initiative, the University of Northern Philippines further strengthened its partnership with the Bungro community while empowering local producers with essential financial management skills. The training forms part of the university’s continuing commitment to support community-based enterprises and help sustain and expand the Pokpoklo seaweed ice cream livelihood.
Article and photo by Arthur Pascua
