CAPSUNIAN ECHO

 EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES THROUGH FINANCIAL LITERACY: THE "GUSTO MO! KONTROL MO!" INITIATIVE

by Lorgen N. Oseta

In a world where financial decisions can significantly impact one’s quality of life, the importance of financial literacy cannot be overstated. Recognizing this need, the Financial Management Council (FMC), in collaboration with the Management Student Organization (MSO) of the College of Management, has embarked on a mission to spread financial literacy beyond the confines of the campus and into the community. Their initiative, aptly named "Gusto Mo! Kontrol Mo!" aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed financial decisions.

On January 15, 2025, the FMC successfully launched the first part of this initiative with a vibrant flyer campaign. This campaign was designed to reach lower to middle-class households, providing them with essential information about budgeting, saving, and managing their finances effectively. The materials distributed included informative flyers, a budget plan template, and an engaging "Ipon Challenge," encouraging participants to save and manage their money wisely.

Mr. Kent Joshua L. Llorico, the President of the FMC, shared insights into the motivation behind this initiative. "From the beginning of my term, we agreed on the importance of spreading financial literacy to the community. The FMC has always followed the mandate of RA No. 10922, the 'Economic & Financial Literacy Week' Act, but this has traditionally been an exclusive event for Financial Management majors. We wanted to extend our reach to the community, but financial limitations initially held us back. That’s when we developed 'Gusto Mo! Kontrol Mo!'—a two-part project aimed at educating the community about the power of financial literacy."

The first part of the project, the flyer campaign, serves as a crucial stepping stone in this broader initiative. It emphasizes a vital message: the amount of income one earns is not the sole determinant of financial success. Instead, it is the habits and behaviors towards money that play a pivotal role in achieving financial goals. By instilling this understanding, the FMC hopes to inspire individuals to take control of their financial futures, regardless of their current economic status.

The "Ipon Challenge" is particularly noteworthy, as it encourages participants to set savings goals and track their progress. This interactive component not only makes financial literacy engaging but also fosters a sense of community as participants share their experiences and successes.

As the FMC and MSO continue to roll out the second part of the "Gusto Mo! Kontrol Mo!" initiative, they remain committed to their mission of empowering individuals through financial education. The collaboration between these organizations exemplifies the power of student-led initiatives in making a tangible difference in the community.

In a time when financial challenges are prevalent, the efforts of the FMC and MSO stand as a beacon of hope. By equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to navigate their financial journeys, they are not only fostering better financial security but also paving the way for a brighter future for all. The "Gusto Mo! Kontrol Mo!" initiative is a testament to the belief that financial literacy is not just a privilege for the few, but a right for everyone.