Turning Agricultural Lessons Into Business Opportunities
BACOLOD - The 46 approved farm schools under the Department of Education Negros Island Region (DepEd-NIR) recorded a combined PHP749,930 in sales during the inaugural Farm School Fiesta. The participating schools from Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, and Bacolod City presented agricultural products, student-made innovations, and their best farming practices to visitors at Ayala Malls. Mabini Farm School led the sales with PHP46,832, followed by Alimatoc Farm School with PHP46,195, Maricalum Farm School with PHP37,500, Floro T. Bongco Farm School with PHP36,023, and Sagay City Farm School with PHP34,392. The results demonstrate how practical agricultural education can help students develop marketable products and gain experience in entrepreneurship.
New Funding Supports Farm School Development
Each of the 46 established farm schools received PHP1 million from the DepEd central office during the event's opening day. The PHP46 million allocation will support capacity building, training, monitoring, and other activities that can improve school operations and learning opportunities. The Schools Division Offices of Guihulngan City and Talisay City also received PHP1 million each to support the establishment of new farm schools. These allocations were released through the Alternative Delivery Mode Program Support Funds for fiscal year 2026–2027, expanding opportunities for agricultural education across the region.
Building Skills for Sustainable Agriculture
Serving more than 12,000 learners, the region's farm schools aim to develop students who can contribute to agriculture while exploring livelihood and business opportunities. DepEd-NIR also worked with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Science and Technology to provide technical assistance in product development, packaging, labeling, and market readiness ahead of the fiesta. These partnerships can help students improve the quality and presentation of their products while learning how to reach potential customers. With continued funding and industry support, farm schools can strengthen their role in preparing young people to become skilled agricultural workers, entrepreneurs, and contributors to sustainable communities.
