To end the cycle of poverty for farmers by helping their children pursue much-needed education while enhancing the Philippines’ agriculture and food security, Senator Ping Lacson has filed a bill establishing the “Kabataang Magsasaka” national scholarship and return service program.
The “Kabataang Magsasaka Scholarship Act” aims to promote inclusive access to quality education in agriculture and allied fields for eligible children or dependents of farmers.
“Consistent with this representation’s aspiration of breaking the poverty cycle of our farmers, this measure will likewise ensure that our country will not fall short of professionals who can contribute to modernizing and strengthening the country’s food security and rural development,” Lacson said in his bill.
The program stemmed from the veteran legislator’s Konsultahang Bayan forum last April, where many farmers in attendance cheered when asked if they approve of such a scholarship program.
It will be parallel to existing education subsidy programs of the government under the laws such as the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act (RA 11524), Rice Tariffication Law (RA 11203), and the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education (RA 10931).
“Fewer students are drawn to agriculture-related courses, seeing little promise in the field.”
The seasoned lawmaker noted that while the Philippines is an agricultural country, farmers remain among the poorest sectors in society – with poverty keeping their children from getting education, and fewer students are drawn to agriculture-related courses, seeing little promise in the field.
Under the bill, applicants certified as a child or dependent of a farmer must be enrolled in, or accepted into, undergraduate or graduate programs in agriculture or allied fields identified by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Agriculture (DA), in a State or Local University or College (SUC/LUC), a CHED-accredited private higher education institution (HEI) in the Philippines, or an accredited partner institution abroad for those pursuing graduate-level studies or training.
Also, CHED, in partnership with DA and HEIs, shall align agricultural education with modern needs by expanding its curriculum, providing access to hands-on learning, encouraging partnerships for learning opportunities, and offering continuing education and training for graduates to stay updated on agricultural innovations.
Qualified scholars shall be entitled to benefits including:
* Free tuition and other school fees in accordance with Republic Act 10931 or as otherwise provided under this Act for those enrolled in non-public partner institutions;
* Allowances and support for prescribed books, uniforms, equipment, and instructional materials;
* A monthly living stipend, as determined by CHED and the DA;
* Expenses for internships, fieldwork, field immersion, capstone projects, research, and other academic requirements as may be determined by CHED and DA;
* Reimbursement or direct funding for licensure or board examination fees, including board review courses for applicable programs, shall be extended for the first attempt, subject to limitations prescribed by CHED and DA. Any succeeding attempts shall be undertaken on a self-funded basis.
Scholarships shall also be open to those pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees, as well as post-baccalaureate certificate or diploma programs in the same fields.
Scholarships shall also be open to those pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees, as well as post-baccalaureate certificate or diploma programs in the same fields.
Meanwhile, the CHED and DA shall identify select scholars for short-term certificate training, graduate diploma programs, or full graduate studies in partner institutions abroad, particularly in areas where local expertise or programs remain limited.
The CHED and DA shall also maintain and update a centralized scholarship database for effective tracking of scholars and return service compliance. They shall coordinate with partner HEIs, local government units (LGUs), and other agencies for scholar support and monitoring.
Graduates of the program shall be required to render return service in the government for a minimum period equivalent to the length of time they benefited from the scholarship. The return service shall commence within one year after graduation or completion of mandatory licensure requirements.
If there is no return service opportunity in government, graduates may fulfill their service obligation through alternative placements including accredited non-government organizations (NGOs), cooperatives, or private sector entities directly engaged in agricultural development, extension services, agribusiness, or research; start-up ventures or enterprises in the agricultural or allied sectors, provided these are endorsed by DA and monitored for compliance; and academic or research contributions.
Graduates may also apply to fulfill their obligation by establishing an agricultural or allied-sector enterprise that demonstrably contributes to local or national development.
