Empowering Microentrepreneurs Through Localized Financial Literacy: Evidence From The Sugpat Kasilasa Program In Conflict-Affected Sulu, Philippines
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64252/kyp5dd24Keywords:
Financial literacy, Microentrepreneurship, Community-based training, Bookkeeping, education, Sari-sari stores, Informal economy, Empowerment theory, Resource-based view, Conflict-affected communities, Sulu PhilippinesAbstract
This study evaluates the impact of Sugpat Kasilasa: Accounting, Bookkeeping & Counting (ABC)—a localized financial literacy and bookkeeping training program for microentrepreneurs in Barangay Bus-Bus, Jolo, Sulu. Anchored on the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Empowerment Theory, the program was developed to strengthen the financial capability and business resilience of sari-sari store owners and informal traders in a conflict-affected region of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Using a pre-post intervention design with 70 purposively selected participants, the study assessed knowledge gains, skill application, and participant satisfaction.
Findings revealed a statistically significant improvement in financial literacy and bookkeeping practices across all key areas (p < 0.001), with post-training mean scores showing marked increases in understanding of financial terms, income tracking, and budgeting. Qualitative feedback emphasized empowerment, confidence building, and demand for follow-up training in inventory, pricing, and customer service. Evaluation metrics rated the program as “very effective” in clarity, delivery, and relevance.
The results underscore the value of culturally contextualized, community-based financial training in economically and politically marginalized regions. This research contributes to the limited literature on grassroots entrepreneurship education in the Global South, highlighting practical pathways for inclusive livelihood development and economic resilience.
