Advocates push establishment of rural farm schools nationwide

MANILA, Philippines – Advocates and practitioners of rural farm schools nationwide are pushing for the immediate implementation of RA 10618 or the Rural Farm Schools Act following the release of its IRR last August.

In particular, the Pilipinas Associations of Rural Families for Education and Development (PARFED) is seeking the establishment of at least one rural farm school in every province in the country.  

“I fully support PARFED’s advocacy of strengthening and establishing rural farm schools nationwide. This is the reason why I authored the Rural Farm School Act. I came from a farming family and as the chair of Congress’ Special Committee on Food Security, I recognize the special role of small farmers and their families on the issue of food security in the country,” said
AAMBIS-Owa Partylist Rep. Sharon Garin. 

“The creation of rural farm schools in every province would provide an opportunity for young students interested in farming to experience firsthand on farming operations is a positive move towards strengthening the farming industry,” she added.  

In a recent forum on food security and biotechnology in Congress, experts disclosed that the Philippines remains vulnerable to low crop output due to climate change, which leads to price shocks and food insecurity.  

“These rural farm schools would be a good venue for research and development toward better agricultural practices, greater crop output and would be invaluable in the attempt to make our country food secure. Teaching our youth the value of farm work is one of the best investments in making our country food secure in the future,” Garin said.