The Western Philippines University (WPU) integrates technology into agriculture and fisheries to boost the interests of students in pursuing agriculture-related programs.
University president Amabel Liao said that some students are hesitant to take the program due to the labor entailed in the nature of agricultural practice. The high standard demanded by a licensed program also adds to the challenge for the students, she added.
“Maganda ang income earning na ating ini-expect sa agriculture, ‘yan ang hindi nila nari-realize. We are hoping that as we graduate more students in agriculture, they are already the ones who are the prime movers of agriculture in our society now,” she said.
The university continuously works on informing the public and increasing the reputation of WPU. Agricultural production will not prosper if there will be a low number of students taking agriculture programs, she added.
Despite Palawan’s robust tourism revenue, the tourism industry still needs to invest in food, necessitating the importation of resources from outside.
“Lumalabas ang ating tourism revenue, kailangan natin palakasin ang agriculture. Kailangan lang natin maipakita sa ating mga kabataan na nandito sa agrikultura ang pera,” Liao said.
WPU wants students to also see and be inspired that the university is also earning from agricultural production through merging economic benefit to agricultural production.
Some of the support given by the university is the provision of seed capital during their practicum, wherein they can see the results of their businesses after they graduate.
Recently, it started its agriculture park to immerse the community in the process of planting and harvesting agricultural products.
Liao observed some agriculture graduates who are now suppliers of vegetables to corporate companies and hotels in the city. (PIA Palawan)
