A School Becomes a Training Ground for Young Farmers
BOHOL - Bohol is preparing to pilot a youth-led agriculture program at San Pascual National Agricultural High School in Ubay, the province's largest agricultural school by land area. The initiative was discussed during a Provincial School Board meeting on September 29, where the school's Rural Farm School program was presented as a possible platform for developing students' practical skills and interest in agriculture. By bringing agricultural learning closer to the school environment, the program can give students opportunities to understand farming not only as a classroom subject but also as a practical field connected to food production, livelihoods, and their communities.
Connecting Education With Agriculture
The proposed initiative reflects the potential of agricultural schools to help young people develop skills that can be useful beyond graduation. Practical exposure to crop production, farm management, environmental stewardship, and other agricultural activities can introduce students to different possibilities within the sector. This is particularly relevant for Bohol, where agriculture remains an important part of the provincial economy and food system. Programs supporting farmers, high-value crops, organic production, and climate-resilient agriculture are already being implemented across the province, creating opportunities for young people to see how traditional farming can connect with newer approaches and technologies.
Building Interest in the Next Generation
Encouraging young people to participate in agriculture can also contribute to the long-term resilience of rural communities. A school-based program can provide an accessible starting point for students who may eventually pursue farming, agricultural education, agribusiness, food production, or related careers. The proposed pilot also comes alongside discussions on education funding, school facilities, parent organizations, and future student activities, showing how agriculture can become part of a broader approach to youth development. For Bohol, giving students opportunities to learn directly from the land can help strengthen the connection between education, sustainable agriculture, and the province's future communities.
