The Pampanga State Agricultural University has awarded an honorary Bachelor of Science in Agriculture to 60-year-old farmer Ener Fausto David, honoring his 43 years of dedicated farming in Sitio Libutad, Mabalacat City, under the school's heartwarming "Tribute to Filipino Farmers" program.
A Lifetime of Cultivation, Finally Recognized
For 43 years, Ener Fausto David has tilled the soil of Sitio Libutad in Barangay Sta. Maria, Mabalacat City, growing rice and corn to feed his community. His journey as a farmer has been documented in agricultural research, with David sharing his experiences managing pests like the Fall Armyworm that has affected his corn yield in recent years. He has openly expressed that managing pests has been one of the most difficult challenges he has faced, particularly because he prefers to avoid chemical pesticides and is interested in learning about biological control solutions instead. Now, at 60 years old, his decades of hard work and dedication have been formally recognized by PSAU through an honorary Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.
PSAU's "Tribute to Filipino Farmers" Program
This recognition is part of PSAU's broader "Tribute to Filipino Farmers" initiative, a university-led project designed to honor the contributions of farmers who have dedicated their lives to agriculture. The program aims to help farmers achieve their desired educational titles and dispel the stigma associated with low educational attainment among farmers. PSAU has been actively recognizing farmers for their contributions, with previous honorees including Orencio G. Quiambao of Arayat and Diosdado S. Maniacup of Magalang, who received their degrees in 2025 and 2024 respectively. The university's Office of Extension and Training has emphasized that many farmers were unable to complete their college education due to financial hardships and the need to prioritize their livelihoods over schooling. David's honorary degree is a testament to the value of experiential knowledge and the vital role farmers play in ensuring food security and sustaining the nation's agricultural heritage.
