Modern agriculture encompasses much more than the traditional practices of tilling soil and planting crops. It has evolved into a sophisticated field that demands a diverse set of skills, blending advanced technology, sustainable practices, and business acumen. Modern farmers must navigate complex agricultural systems, utilize precision farming techniques, and stay abreast of environmental and market trends to thrive. These 21st-century agriculturists are not just cultivators but also innovators, scientists, and entrepreneurs who drive the sector forward with expertise and excellence.
However, while the agricultural sector offers numerous opportunities, the path to becoming a skilled agriculturist is fraught with financial challenges, particularly for the children of marginalized farmers. The cost of obtaining a degree in agriculture has risen significantly, making it nearly impossible for many aspiring students from low-income farming families to afford higher education.
It is for these reasons that the three-year Business Agriculture Technology (BAT) Program at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos was established on June 5, 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most children of indigent farmers either lack access to or are unaware of opportunities that enable them to go to school without worrying about paying tuition and other related expenses.
The scholarship program was made possible through the collaboration of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Recoletos Online Learning Extension (ROLEx) Project. ROLEx is a grant from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Institutional Development and Innovation Grants (IDIG) in 2016. It is a ladderized program with a credit system, meaning that units earned by students are credited if they decide to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in agriculture. The best aspect of the program is that it accepts scholars who are disadvantaged K-12 graduates, primarily children of farmers.
According to the project proponent, TESDA has increased the number of slots for scholars it will support this upcoming school year, from 50 to 100.
“Due to their circumstances, instead of going to school, farmers’ children would rather help their parents till the soil. They have a lot of potential but are deprived; they have no access to education through scholarships,” explained the proponent.
All applicants will be subjected to a qualifying exam. Those who will pass the exam will undergo interviews to select the 100 scholars who will receive a scholarship amounting to P45,000 per semester. Of this amount, P27,000 will cover their tuition, and they will also receive a daily allowance of P160, learning allowances and internet cards. This is the only program in the Philippines that is 90% online and 10% face-to-face.
When Guia May Nierves heard about the program during the pandemic, she did not waste any time and immediately applied. As the daughter of a farmer and a housewife, her family’s financial struggles forced her to find work to ensure their survival. “When I learned that the program was funded by TESDA, I seized the opportunity. Throughout the program, we were equipped with skills in agriculture, covering everything from animal raising to crop production. We were trained to be real farmers, and those three years truly prepared us for our entry into the industry, as we were provided NC II certificates by TESDA. It was an answered prayer for those of us who wanted to pursue education but could not afford the tuition,” shared Nierves.
Since its inception, the program has produced 17 graduates. Meanwhile, 24 finishers have decided to pursue BS in Agriculture degrees. To date, six BAT graduates have earned their BS in Agriculture degrees.
“We are bridging the gap between these poor but deserving students and TESDA. There are a lot of untapped government programs. These families are unaware of these opportunities for their children to be educated and skilled. They deserve to be given the education and training they need to have a brighter future,” added the project proponent.
TESDA Region VI Director Florencio Sunico, Jr., commended the public-private partnership. A two-story building will be erected, the assessment and training center named after Juan Paulo Miguel Rivera Lamata, donated by philanthropist Marlene Lamata and family.
Moreover, hands-on experience with the newly purchased farm tractor allows students to learn essential aspects of farm operations, including plowing, planting, and harvesting. BAT students are trained to master the operation and maintenance of farm equipment, gaining practical knowledge that enhances their employability and competence in the field.
Providing scholarships for poor children of farmers who wish to study agriculture is more than just generosity; it is a strategic investment in the future. These opportunities not only equip these young individuals with valuable skills and knowledge, making them competitive professionals in the agricultural sector, but also empower them to uplift their families and communities. By supporting their education, we are planting the seeds for a brighter, more sustainable future where these scholars can thrive, innovate, and help the agriculture industry flourish—ensuring that their families enjoy a better quality of life.
Interested parties may email idigrolex@gmail.com or message www.facebook.com/agrecoletos to inquire about application requirements and examination schedules. For pre-registration, visit https://forms.gle/g1zcudkee6XiXLkM8 or scan the QR code.*
