Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 30) — A lawmaker has filed a bill seeking to include agricultural lessons in the primary and secondary education curriculum in a bid to develop the interest of the youth in helping improve the country’s agricultural productivity.
Tarlac Rep. Jaime Eduardo Cojuangco noted that the agricultural sector employs 40% of workers and contributes about 20% to the country’s gross domestic product.
But the lawmaker raised concerns that there is an “alarming rate” of agricultural lands being converted into residential and industrial areas.
“The problem may be the result of not introducing the importance of the agricultural sector in a person’s developmental stage,” the bill’s explanatory note read.
“Hence, it is only logical for young Filipinos to know the importance of agriculture and what are the best practices other countries are employing to achieve economies of scale in their endeavor,” it also said.
Among the lessons that House Bill No. 2072 wishes to teach students are history of agricultural development; technologies in agriculture; entrepreneurship and economics of agriculture; and urban agriculture.
“Let’s be serious about farming. Hindi basta tanim lang (It’s not just about planting),” said Cojuangco in a statement.
“It is high time that the children, our students, learn a more scientific way of farming,” he also said. “To know how to make money from tilling the land or to make it an entrepreneurial endeavor. And finally, to be able to elevate the farming profession to a level that can sustain more than the basic necessities of the farmer’s families.”
If enacted into law, the Department of Education shall coordinate with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Science and Technology, and the Department of Trade and Industry in the curriculum development.
