ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR III
Perhaps the question is why is Agriculture put in a lower status even on a campus survey which asks what new courses shall be offered in the future of Abuyog Community College? Why would an obvious Agricultural area shun away from its roots ?
Though it has long been the foundation of the Philippine economy, especially in areas like Leyte and Samar, agriculture is sometimes ignored and trivialized. These regions have enormous agricultural potential, yet the agriculture industry is generally underappreciated and unloved for a variety of reasons. A major source of income and economic activity in the Philippines historically has been agriculture. But as time has gone on, the industry has faced several difficulties, such as poor government support, restricted access to contemporary technologies, and inadequate infrastructure. Typhoons and floods, which destroy crops and interfere with farming operations, are frequent natural calamities that worsen these problems in Leyte and Samar.
One of the primary reasons for the disinterest in agriculture is the socio-economic landscape. Many young Filipinos view agriculture as an unattractive career option due to the perception of low income and hard labor. This is particularly evident in Leyte and Samar, where many young people migrate to urban areas in search of better opportunities.
Leyte and Samar’s agriculture is greatly impacted by environmental conditions. Sustainable farming is severely hampered by the areas’ vulnerability to extreme weather occurrences as well as problems like soil erosion and deforestation. In addition to lowering agricultural output, these environmental issues deter investment in the industry.
Addressing the disinterest and trivialization of agriculture requires a multifaceted approach. Firstly, there needs to be a concerted effort to change cultural perceptions of farming. This can be achieved through educational campaigns that highlight the importance and potential of agriculture. Secondly, improving infrastructure and access to modern farming technologies can make agriculture more attractive and profitable. Thirdly, government policies must be more effectively implemented, with a focus on transparency and accountability to ensure that resources reach the intended beneficiaries.
It is about time we make a reset and treat Agriculture as a vital field of work and study , our future, and our existence rest on it.
