In a bid to inspire the youth to take up agriculture, the province of Agusan del Sur has initiated a series of efforts to bridge the gap between the number of students enrolled in agriculture-related courses and the province’s need for a new generation of farmers. The AgSur Future Forum, held on October 17 at the Provincial Research, Development, and Innovation Office in Prosperidad town, served as a platform to cultivate interest among students in agriculture as a science- and technology-driven profession.
Data from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) – Caraga Region revealed that only 7% or 1,256 out of 17,315 college students in Agusan del Sur enrolled in agriculture-related courses in the previous school year. These students were enrolled at the Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT), which has its main campus in Bunawan town and a satellite campus in Trento town. The forum, themed “Cultivating Roots, Empowering Youths,” aimed to address this gap and encourage young people to see farming as a viable and crucial career path.
2nd District Rep. Adolph Edward Plaza emphasized the importance of grooming a new breed of farmers who understand both the science of agriculture and the urgency of climate adaptation. “The future of agriculture depends on the youth who will sustain and lead it forward,” Plaza said. He announced that ASSCAT will begin offering the course Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in Soil Science next school year to develop local experts in sustainable farming and soil management.
Gov. Santiago Cane Jr. highlighted the provincial government’s efforts to support students pursuing agriculture courses. The province offers full scholarships for students from the undergraduate level up to the doctorate level. Additionally, the state-of-the-art soil laboratory will serve as a training ground for future agriculture technologists. “We want our young experts to help farmers achieve yields comparable to those in Japan or Vietnam,” Cane said.
The forum also provided an opportunity for students to voice their thoughts and aspirations. Charles Julian Bacud of Loreto National High School appreciated the province’s recognition of farmers and their vital role. Roana Raz, a student from ASSCAT, emphasized the importance of agriculture as the foundation of the province. Matt Huan Emmanuel Maybuena of Agusan del Sur National Science High School expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn about the province’s sustainability programs and plans to pursue chemical engineering to enhance soil technology research.
The Division Federation of Supreme Secondary Learner Government of Agusan del Sur, which participated in the forum, stated that the activity reminded them that true progress begins when the youth are empowered to take part in building a sustainable and self-reliant future. The forum underscored the province’s commitment to empowering the youth to lead the way in securing the province’s food future amid climate change challenges.