Maimpok na SAMLOK

Samahan ng Mandaragat sa Sulok Fisherfolks Association or SAMLOK is an organization of fishermen in Lian, Batangas. Their primary source of income are pet fishes or ornamental fishes that can be kept in aquariums. Since they are in a remote area, their income resources are very limited. For this reason, our group decided to promote financial literacy awareness to the community of SAMLOK through the “May Ipon Ako” project. The project intends to educate SAMLOK community of the importance of budgeting and saving money, so they have a source of fund in case untoward events happen. Since the COVID-19 pandemic restrict us from visiting them, a “Maimpok na Samlok” video was provided to reach them out and as our way to encourage them to save money. The video is very detailed that it also includes different stages of a person’s life (single, married, and retired) which aims to tell them that no matter how old they are, they can still save for their future. The short video also discussed different government programs and institutions accessible to them. Different programs such as P3, Magna Carta law, and SHFC (Social Housing Financial Corporation) can help them if they wish to start a business or if they dream of having their own home. The group believes that poverty is not a hindrance and it doesn’t mean that they can never be successful, rather it is a challenge to them. We want to influence them, change their mindset to a positive one, and let them know that they can still prepare for their future even though they have limited resources. In addition to the video, we gave them mini booklet to record the money they are able to save and to check if they are reaching their goals. We also gave them pouches where they can put the money they saved. This project with SAMLOK does not only aim to raise awareness on financial literacy but also help decrease their stress and anxiety on where to find funds in case of calamities or emergencies.

Our project with the community of SAMLOK did not only teach them the importance of saving money but also taught me to value money. Oftentimes, we tend to live beyond our means and compromise our savings to cover for overspending. As for me, I tend to spend on little things, thinking that it won’t make a big difference. In reality, if these little things add up, it could cost more. I realize that there are many underprivilege people, and I am fortunate enough to have different sources of funds when I need it so I should not take this for granted.

We don’t have a control over what can happen to us. Even the richest man can still go broke or bankrupt if he is not able to manage his money properly, so it is very important to save money no matter how big or small it is so we can prepare for the future.

It’s too bad though that we were not able know the community and interact with each one of them. We could’ve have understood their situation better and learn more from them. I hope that after the pandemic I will be given an opportunity to visit them even if I am done with my Business Ethics class.