Camp Marcelo A Adduru, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan- In a bid to foster financial literacy from a young age, the Regional Finance Unit 2 has launched an exciting initiative called the “Ipon Challenge.” The program was rolled out to 100 eager kindergarten pupils at the Tuguegarao Northeast Central Integrated School (TNECIS) in Caggay, Tuguegarao City, on March 19, 2024.
The challenge was spearheaded by Police Colonel Wilson L. Doromal, Chief of the Regional Finance Unit, in collaboration with Emely P. Tango, Principal IV; Ms. Marjorie T. Tamaray; Ms. Joan M Pingad; Ms. Reynalyn Castillo; and Ms. Sally S. Unida, Kindergarten Teacher of TNECIS.
The initiative was further bolstered by the support of SIKAP Incorporated (Sama-samang Ilaw ng KAPulisan), led by Dr. Mae Cherry Anne M. Doromal, National Founding Chairwoman, along with the Women’s Police Service (WPS) and female Non-Uniformed Personnel (NUP) of the Regional Finance Unit 2.
As part of the challenge, each participant was given a “piggy bank” made from a plastic bottle, which they were encouraged to decorate creatively. The 10 most innovative designs were recognized with prizes. The children were then tasked with filling their piggy banks with coins, instilling in them the habit of saving.
In a gesture of care for the pupils’ well-being, a feeding program was also conducted on the same day, providing nutritious meals prepared by the RFU2 team.
This initiative by the Regional Finance Unit 2 is part of the 2024 National Women’s Month celebration, themed “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!” The aim is to engage with students across Tuguegarao City schools.
In a heartfelt message, Police Colonel Doromal expressed his gratitude to the TNECIS principal for hosting the activity. He also emphasized to the pupils the importance of the Ipon Challenge, highlighting not just the value of saving money but also the empowerment that comes with being able to buy things they want for themselves. Furthermore, he underscored the environmental benefit of repurposing plastic bottles for their piggy banks, thereby promoting resource conservation and reducing plastic pollution.#
