CABARROGUIS, Quirino (PIA)- – To provide avenues for fishpond operators to properly manage their livelihood, the Bureau of Aquatic Resources (BFAR) recently conducted financial literacy training for farmers and fisherfolk.
There were 25 officers and members of Sto. Tomas Farmers and Fisherfolk Association (SAFFA) of Barangay Sto. Tomas of Maddela town participated in the training.
Christopher Casco, provincial fishery officer said the bureau introduced Fish ‘N Learn, a financial education simulation game with fishers as the main actors with the key goal to provide the basic concept of achieving financial health and freedom among the fisherfolk.
“Interactive and enjoyable as it was, Fish N Learn was a simulation game designed to mimic the daily living of local farmers and fisherfolk as they display their financial capacity and financial know-how given certain scenarios, ” Casco said.
Simulation activities conducted during the said training include setting up financial goals, providing good decision-making toward financial growth, and laying down strategies in terms of financial management.
Casco also said the Fish N Learn game was materialized under the Financial Education (FinEd) Program of Bangkok Sentral ng Pilipinas for Fisherfolk in partnership with the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, BDO Foundation and also with the United States Agency for International Development-Fish Right Program.
Two other fisherfolk organizations, namely the Asosasyon ng mga Mangingisda ng Dagupan (AMaDa) of Dagupan, Aglipay, and the Samahan ng mga Mangingisda ng La Paz (SAMA- La Paz) of La Paz, Saguday had earlier undergone similar financial literacy training.
Ramil Soriano of BFAR’s Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division further discussed some of the key takeaways from the said game through an open forum.
Soriano further said Fish n Learn game for agri fishery sector aims for 5Ms specifically designed for farmers and fisherfolk in the country such as (1) Maging mapagkalinga sa karagatan (Nurture oceans and aquatic resources); (2) Mag-impok ngayon para sa kinabukasan (Save for the future); (3) Magpalago ng kita sa pamamagitan ng pagne-negosyo (Expand income sources by putting up a business); (4) Mag-seguro para protektado (Get insurance for protection); and (5) Maging matalino sa pag-utang (Use debt wisely). (OTB/TCB, PIA Quirino)
