Agri-fishery scholarship programs presented to Aklan youths

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Western Visayas, in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Aklan, organized the Agriculture and Fisheries Scholarship Information Caravan in Banga, Aklan themed “Kabataan sa Agrikultura Para sa Bayang Masagana” on May 3. 

The initiative aims to address the critical shortage of young professionals in the agri-fishery sectors, which are fundamental to the nation’s food security and economic sustainability. The caravan focuses on motivating Senior High School students to explore and commit to careers in Agriculture, Fisheries, Agricultural Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, and other related fields.

The event showcased various scholarship opportunities presented by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), and the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP). These institutions outlined their program offers and requirements, highlighting the vast potential for career growth and entrepreneurial success in the agri-fishery sectors.

ATI Regional Training Center 6 Senior Agriculturist Vianney Ojerio, SRA SIDA-HRDP Head Marco Soriano, BFAR 6 Aquaculturist Kristal Kae Ombrog, PCA Agriculturist Jessa Mae Italia, and LBP’s Agrarian Support and Administrative Unit Head Engr. James Villareal presented their respective scholarship programs to students and teachers during the recently concluded caravan. 

Over 80 Grade 11 students in Aklan participated in the caravan, which seeks to increase enrollment in agri-fishery-related courses starting in the academic year 2025-2026.

DA Western Visayas’ Regional Information Officer, James Earl Ogatis, expressed his hope that the scholarship caravan would inspire a new generation of scientifically skilled farmers and fishers, agriculturists, researchers, extension workers, veterinarians, and agricultural entrepreneurs.

Archt. Mar Bien Gregory Parel, Senior Education Program Specialist for Social Mobilization and Networking at DepEd Aklan, agreed that initiatives should be undertaken by the government to encourage young people to pursue careers in agriculture and fisheries, whether through employment or entrepreneurship.###Texts by SMHToreno & Photos by JVDeGuzman/DA-RAFIS 6