SMU JTHMAP and JPIA conduct candle-making and financial literacy workshop
The JTHMAP-SMU Chapter, under the leadership of Miss Almyra Garcia, BS Tourism Management 3 and Governor, recently organized a candle-making workshop for the Mongkul Ladies Association of Mangkelleb, Villaverde, Nueva Vizcaya. This initiative was a collaborative effort that brought together TESDA trainers, the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants-SMU Chapter (JPIA), and SMU-HTM students, aiming to empower the local community with both technical skills and financial knowledge. TESDA Vizcaya is the official partner of SMU-HTM through JTHMAP for this kind of training.
TESDA trainers Miss Mia Amor Patricio and Miss Gwyneth Taeza led the participants through the candle-making process, imparting essential skills to help the members of the Mongkol Ladies Association explore entrepreneurial opportunities and create sustainable livelihoods. Simultaneously, JPIA officers, headed by Mr. Cyril Longui, conducted a session on financial literacy, providing valuable knowledge on managing finances effectively and sustaining new business ventures.
This initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1: No Poverty, by providing the Mongkul Ladies Association with the skills necessary to improve their economic circumstances, and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by promoting entrepreneurship and financial independence. By combining practical skills training with financial education, the workshop equipped the participants with the tools they need to generate sustainable income and foster long-term economic growth.
The success of the workshop is a reflection of the core values of Saint Mary’s University Hospitality and Tourism Management (SMU HTM) – We Inspire, We Innovate, We Influence. Through this initiative, SMU HTM students and faculty demonstrated their commitment to inspiring positive change, innovating solutions to empower local communities, and influencing lasting social impact. This collaboration among TESDA, JPIA, JTHMAP-SMU Chapter, and HTM students, as well as the Mongkul Ladies Association, highlights the power of partnerships in driving meaningful, sustainable development.
By equipping the Mongkul Ladies Association with technical and financial literacy skills, the workshop has paved the way for future opportunities and economic independence, empowering the community for lasting positive change.
Indeed, SMU-HTM is faithful to its mission and is driven by excellence.
Words by: Miss Nicole Ann Belmil, JTHMAP-SMU Chapter Vice Governor for External Affairs
Reviewed by: Mr. John Michael C. Ibarra, HTM Department Head
