The Department of Education (DepEd) in Western Visayas is calling on the public and parents to support the region’s farm schools, which have transformed education in 31 local schools by integrating agriculture into student lessons.
Over the past four years, farm schools in Western Visayas have flourished, providing more than 8,000 junior high school learners with hands-on skills in agriculture.
These schools go beyond traditional academics, teaching students effective farming methods and entrepreneurial skills to prepare them for future livelihoods. By embedding agriculture into their curriculum, these schools aim to equip students with the tools needed to tackle hunger and poverty.
Covering a wide range of agricultural topics—from traditional farming to advanced techniques in fisheries, livestock, and business skills—farm schools offer diverse agricultural education across Western Visayas. Dr. Elena Gonzaga, chief of DepEd’s Curriculum and Learning Management Division in the region, emphasized that these schools provide hands-on learning to prepare students for careers in agriculture and food production.
The program’s success has drawn national attention, according to DepEd Western Visayas Director Dr. Ramir Uytico. To continue building on this momentum, DepEd Western Visayas has strengthened its farm schools, which Uytico believes could help reduce hunger and poverty by fostering a new generation of skilled farmers.
To expand the farm school initiative, DepEd allocated P106 million in funding and plans to seek additional support from the Central Office. Among the program’s highlights is the Jayobo Farm School in Lambunao, which incorporates native pig farming and is developing a community marketplace where students can sell their produce, creating an income-generating program for learners.
“If we want to eradicate poverty and hunger, support our farm schools,” Uytico said.
The Iloilo City Farm School, supported by the Iloilo City Government, is also enhancing its program by incorporating hydroponic farming and mushroom cultivation to promote sustainable urban agriculture. Additionally, farm schools hope to establish commercial partnerships with local hotels and restaurants to provide an outlet for students’ products, making the program even more sustainable and impactful.
By integrating agricultural skills and entrepreneurship into education, DepEd Western Visayas believes it is cultivating a path toward food security and economic resilience in the region.
