Parent leaders of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Rosario, Batangas were organized to start a community-managed savings and credit association (COMSCA). This is after the provision of a capacity building training by the World Vision Development Foundation, Inc. (World Vision) to 48 parent leaders from the said town last February 13-14, 2015.

The World Vision is one of the partner-non-government organizations of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the provision of various interventions to 4Ps households aimed at helping them improve their living conditions.

The COMSCA is a savings mechanism being introduced by the World Vision to help community members in rural areas, such as beneficiaries of the 4Ps, in establishing and managing their own savings and credit system.

“Nakatulong itong training sa amin dahil natuto kami ng tamang pag-iimpok at tamang paggamit ng pera,” shared Jasmin Lirio, one of the parent leaders from Brgy. Mavalor.

As part of the training, the parent leaders were introduced to financial literacy, community organizing, and records-keeping among others.

According to 4Ps Municipal Link Leslie Ann Castillar, the parent leaders agreed to organize and start the system among themselves first prior to rolling this out with other interested 4Ps beneficiaries in every barangay.

“Kapag nasimulan na ito, magkakaroon kami ng access sa mga loan services at malaking tulong ito sa amin at sa aming mga kasamahan na nakararanas ng problema sa pinansyal tulad ng pagkakasakit o pagkamatay ng miyembro ng pamilya,” added Lirio. [with reports from LAACastillar]