In its ongoing commitment to employee empowerment and financial wellness, the Department of Education Region IV-A CALABARZON launched Project SHARE—a long-term financial literacy and savings initiative aimed at establishing Self-Help Associations for Regional Office Personnel (ROP).

Project SHARE is designed to help personnel develop responsible financial habits by engaging in a structured system of saving, lending, and earning interest. The initiative is inspired by the Community Managed Savings and Credit Association (CoMSCA) model of the World Vision International Foundation, and is adapted to suit the needs of the regional office employees.

The first step in this transformative program began with a two-day Capacity Building activity held on July 8–9, 2025, for all interested and registered ROP personnel. The training was designed not only to explain the concept of Project SHARE but also to build commitment, knowledge, and readiness among participants.

Through this training, participants were expected to:

• Gain a solid understanding of Project SHARE’s objectives and operations.

• Discuss and raise relevant concerns regarding the program.

• Form SHARE groups with their colleagues.

• Commit to active participation in financial management practices such as budgeting, saving, lending, and investing.

The Capacity Building featured 12 modular sessions, equipping participants with practical knowledge and hands-on strategies to run a successful SHARE group:

1. Introduction to Project SHARE and Its Adaptation

2. Requirements for Establishing Project SHARE

3. CoMSCA Operations Manual Overview

4. Group Formation, Leadership, and Elections

5. Social Fund and Share Purchase Policies

6. Constitution Development of the Association

7. Record Keeping and Meeting Management

8. First Share Purchase/Savings Meeting

9. First Loan Disbursement Meeting

10. First Loan Repayment Meeting

11. Daily Slot Saving System

12. Share-Out, Action Audit, and Graduation Ceremony

Each SHARE group is composed of 10 to 15 members, who voluntarily commit to participate in the financial activities of the group. Members are expected to be honest, credible, and actively involved, with leadership roles such as President and Treasurer filled through elections.

Key operational features include:

• Shared contributions agreed upon by group consensus.

• Use of alternative financial tools like improvised vaults, passbooks, or e-money accounts.

• Transparency and accountability mechanisms, including dual verification systems for financial transactions.

• Registration and oversight by the Human Resource Development Division (HRDD) for official recognition and development training.

Project SHARE runs for a total of 50 weeks, with continuous monitoring and evaluation by a Project Management Team composed of representatives from HRDD and the Finance Division.

A Midterm Review and Recognition Program will be held in December 2025 (25th week), followed by a Year-End Recognition in June 2026.

Recognition will include awards for the top-performing SHARE groups and outstanding individual savers:

Best SHARE Implementers

• 1st Place – ₱4,000

• 2nd Place – ₱3,000

• 3rd Place – ₱2,000

• 4th Place – ₱1,000

• 5th Place – ₱1,000

Outstanding Savers

• 1st Place – ₱2,000

• 2nd Place – ₱1,800

• 3rd Place – ₱1,600

• 4th Place – ₱1,400

• 5th Place – ₱1,200

In addition, qualified members will have the opportunity to join the Ipon Challenge Season 2, a savings competition that rewards dedication and financial discipline.

Through Project SHARE, DepEd CALABARZON envisions a workforce that is not only committed to public service but also equipped with the tools and habits necessary for financial independence and resilience. By fostering a culture of mutual support, transparency, and fiscal responsibility, Project SHARE serves as a model for sustainable financial empowerment within the public sector.