Baguio: The Department of Agriculture in the Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-CAR) is focusing on educating children about agriculture to promote food sustainability. Dr. Aida Pagtan, focal person of the Gender and Development program of the DA-CAR, emphasized the importance of teaching children about agriculture during a visit by Grades 5 and 6 learners from Pinsao Elementary School to the Bureau of Plant and Industry.
According to Philippines News Agency, Pagtan highlighted the need for children to learn about the origins and production of food to foster appreciation and reduce wastage. She believes that early exposure to agriculture will encourage young people to engage in gardening and animal care, contributing to food production.
The Philippine Statistics Authority previously reported the average age of farmers in the country at 57 years old. However, the DA-CAR noted that recent data from the Registry System for Basic Agriculture in the region indicates a decrease to 45 years old. Lawyer Jennilyn Dawayan, DA-Cordillera director, mentioned initiatives targeting youth involvement in agriculture, such as the young farmers' challenge, which is seeing increased participation.
Programs like 'Gulayan sa Paaralan' and the formation of 4H Clubs in schools aim to involve young people in agriculture. These initiatives encourage skill development and may inspire students to pursue agricultural courses, which a Benguet State University professor described as increasingly appealing.
Jovelita Bugtong, a Grade 5 teacher at Pinsao Elementary School, stated that exposure activities help students appreciate agriculture and apply their learnings in school and at home. The students, who study agriculture in their Technology and Livelihood Education and Edukasyon Pangtahanan at Pangkabuhayan subjects, shared knowledge gained from the visit, including techniques like grafting and using sand as a medium for growing plants.
The site visit also introduced students to various tomato varieties, broadening their understanding of agricultural diversity.
