Businessman Tony Tan Caktiong, chairman and founder of Jollibee Foods Corp., teamed up with STI Education Services Group Inc. to boost agricultural education in the country.
STI Education said in a statement posted on its website it signed an agreement with Tan Caktiong to establish an academic institution with programs in agro-entrepreneurship, agricultural technology, logistics and quick-service restaurants.
The joint venture partners will transform STI College – Tanauan in Batangas to be the initial vehicle for the collaboration.
The new school will house state-of-the-art agriculture facilities and equipment such as greenhouses, field laboratories, livestock and poultry farms and a rainwater harvesting system for irrigation and other uses.
It will also be equipped with industry-grade simulation laboratories, air-conditioned classrooms with flat screen TVs, student activity centers with internet connection, a covered basketball court and multimedia centers to provide a more conducive learning environment.
STI said agriculture sector was indispensable in the Philippine’s strategy for inclusive growth.
Both STI and Tan Caktiong envision a farm-to-table school that will offer agricultural courses and courses on managing quick-service restaurants that are focused on developing the technical and entrepreneurial skills of students.
“My experience in JFC has given me unique perspectives on the challenges and importance of having a consistent and reliable supply of high-quality agricultural products. I am excited with this collaboration as it will help to uplift the agricultural and related sectors through education, another potential means for us to contribute to nation-building,” Tan Caktiong said.
