IP Community Gains Knowledge in Financial Literacy and Hygiene Training
In a meaningful celebration of National Indigenous People’s Day, Tagum Cooperative launched its outreach initiative, “TC IPskwela – Basic Financial Literacy and Personal Hygiene Training for Indigenous Peoples (IPs),” at the Datu Jose A. Libayao Memorial National High School in Talaingod, Davao del Norte on August 9, 2024.
The said initiative was organized by TC’s Gender and Development (GAD) Committee to empower indigenous communities by providing them with essential financial knowledge and personal hygiene education. It is driven by the pressing need to address two key areas: financial literacy and hygiene. These basic yet crucial skills are often out of reach for many in the indigenous community.
One of the highlights of the event was a financial literacy session led by the Communications & Education Department (CED) Manager of Tagum Cooperative Ms. Al Gee Omega C. Bula. Ms. Bula introduced participants to essential financial concepts, including basic money management and entrepreneurial mindsets. Her talk emphasized the importance of understanding finances to achieved independence in the future.
In addition to financial education, the program also featured a personal hygiene training session led by a well-appreciated Lumad medical doctor Dr. Ricar P. Apas. Dr. Apas demonstrated essential hygiene practices such as proper handwashing, dental care, and daily hygiene routines. He explained the direct link between hygiene and health, stressing that good hygiene is a basic foundation for overall well-being.
The event was attended by fifty (50) enthusiastic IP participants who actively engaged in the learning sessions. Their participation showed the value and importance of such training, particularly in underserved communities where access to this type of information is limited. The program was made even more impactful through the support and participation of the Sister Society Tagum Coop Chapter, which contributed to the event’s success by helping deliver the training in a way that was both engaging and relevant to the local culture.
The celebration was not just about learning. It also included cultural performances that highlighted the rich heritage of the indigenous community. The event opened with an inspiring dance performed by selected IP students.
Dir. Rosamaria S. Torrejano, Chairperson of Tagum Cooperative’s Board of Directors, welcomed the participants with a message that reaffirmed the cooperative’s commitment to sustainable development and empowerment of the IP community. In her speech, she emphasized how education in both financial literacy and hygiene would provide the participants with tools to lead healthier, more financially secure lives.
GAD Committee Chairperson, Dir. Eduard C. Amoguis also shared a special message during the event, explaining the initiative’s rationale. He reiterated that empowering Indigenous communities with practical skills is one of the cooperative’s key goals. He further announced that as part of the initiative, participants would receive coin cans and hygiene items to ensure that the lessons learned during the training would continue to have an impact beyond the event itself.
The event concluded on a high note, with GAD Committee Vice Chairperson Dir. Josephine L. Fadul expressed her gratitude to the participants, organizers, and supporters. She commended the cooperative for its efforts to bring meaningful change to the Indigenous community, particularly to its youth. Former TC Chairpersons, Ms. Norma R. Pereyras and Ms. Fe J. Adlawan, representing the Sister Society Officers, also shared encouraging words, further inspiring the participants.
The ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between Tagum Cooperative and DepEd Davao del Norte Division marked a significant partnership to continue supporting educational and development initiatives in the community.
Tagum Cooperative’s TC IPskwela initiative serves as an indication of the cooperative’s commitment to empowering marginalized communities. By providing access to essential education in financial literacy and personal hygiene, the cooperative is helping individuals make informed decisions, live healthier lives, and build a more secure future. Leslie S. Canuto