In a pioneering move to cultivate financial resilience and empowerment among its beneficiaries, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office XI (DSWD FO XI),  through its Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Provincial Operations Office of Davao Occidental has championed the project, “Barya Mo, Hulog Mo” – a community-based initiative transforming financial literacy into tangible savings. 

With strong support from local barangay leaders, the project goes beyond encouraging families to save—it empowers them to build better financial habits and inspires a long-term culture of financial responsibility in Malita, Davao Occidental.

The core objective of the project is to introduce 4Ps partner beneficiaries to the crucial concept of establishing an emergency fund, and instill the invaluable principles of long-term delayed gratification and sound financial management. Born from extensive discussions on financial literacy during Family Development Sessions (FDS), the project directly addresses a critical need identified within the community. 

The program’s methodology is rooted in simplicity and accessibility. Instead of complex financial instruments, “Barya Mo, Hulog Mo” encourages daily or weekly contributions of small amounts, even just loose change or “barya” into designated savings containers. Regular check-ins and financial literacy workshops conducted by DSWD and barangay officials reinforce the habit, turning what might seem like an insignificant act into a powerful routine that demonstrates saving and empowers beneficiaries to take ownership of their financial well-being. This grassroots approach ensures that the program is not just about accumulating money, but about cultivating a fundamental understanding of financial planning within the household.

What began as a year-end challenge in December 2023, encouraging beneficiaries to showcase their money boxes and savings, has blossomed into a sustained, community-wide movement. The project’s success can be seen in numbers, with a comparison of the 2023 and 2024 Social Welfare and Development Indicator (SWDI) results, it shows a staggering 162.8% increase in households with at least one member having access to formal financial institutions or savings.

In 2024, a remarkable 80.6% 187 out of 232 active partner beneficiaries reported such access, a significant leap from the 30.67% recorded in 2023. For the year 2025, the grantees continue to display positive responses on having savings in every household, because they have seen the value and functionality of incorporating it in their daily lives. 

Beyond the numbers, the human stories emerging from “Barya Mo, Hulog Mo” underscore its transformative power. Beneficiaries have shared testimonies, recalling instances where their accumulated savings proved to be a vital lifeline during unexpected emergencies, such as hospitalizations. Others have proudly shared their livestock and poultry purchases made possible by their disciplined saving habits. The initiative has not only provided a financial safety net but has also empowered individuals to invest in their livelihoods and improve their families’ quality of life, fostering a financially literate generation.

The success of “Barya Mo, Hulog Mo” also highlights the critical importance of collaboration between program implementers and partner stakeholders, particularly, the Municipal Local Government Unit of Malita. The LGU’s unwavering support has been instrumental in the initiative’s sustainability and widespread adoption.

As the 4Ps Malita MOO team looks to expand this best practice across other barangays, “Barya Mo, Hulog Mo” stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives. It’s a clear demonstration that with combined effort, consistent encouragement, and a strong sense of community, even the smallest savings, can lead to monumental improvements in financial well-being and a more secure future for all. 

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