Learning Sites for Agriculture: Partners in Intensifying Immersion Programs

Several nations, including the Philippines, depend significantly on agriculture for social and economic progress. As the need for innovative agricultural techniques develops, educational institutions have to fill the gap between academic understanding and practical execution.

Known as the capacity builder, knowledge bank, and catalyst of the Philippine Agriculture and Fisheries extension system, the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute CALABARZON (DA-ATI CALABARZON), under the direction of Training Center Superintendent II, Dr. Rolando V. Maningas, facilitated the immersion of Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU) students in several established Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSA) in the region. The LSA is a dynamic extension modality in which highly productive farmers worthy of emulation and ready to lend out the technologies they develop right on their own farms serve as collaborators throughout the execution of training and extension interventions.

This working relationship not only enhances students' academic experiences but also emphasizes the value of hands-on learning in developing an upcoming generation of agriculturists committed to both innovative practices and environmental sustainability.

Intending to provide an effective and efficient learning environment based on the concept of "learning by doing", the LSA-led Internship Program was implemented from April 17 to May 11, 2024 as part of the "Strategic Triad: Empowering Agriculture Through Collaborative Partnerships." The activity is in partnership with LSPU Siniloan Campus, wherein ten (10) BS Agriculture students were engaged at Yumi's Farm in Tayabas City, Quezon.

Likewise, eleven (11) BS Agricultural Extension interns immersed at Gintong Bukid Farm & Leisure in Nagcarlan, Laguna, and Uma Verde Econature Farm in Candelaria, Quezon, as part of “Agri-Connect: DA-ATI CALABARZON and LSPU Collaborative Internship Program for Agri-Students”, another partnership with LSPU Nagcarlan Campus.

Through this engagement, LSPU students gained personal knowledge of farming processes, from soil preparation and planting to harvesting and commercialization. This experience is crucial, as it helps students apply their classroom knowledge in a controlled but realistic situation, reinforcing their understanding and improving their problem-solving abilities.

Meanwhile, the internship course concluded on May 11 and May 21, 2024, with a ceremony led by Dr. Maningas commending the students who finished the program. He also conveyed his appreciation to the partners for their valuable collaboration.

The immersion program of LSPU students, initiated by DA-ATI CALABARZON, is a praiseworthy endeavor that deepens agricultural instruction through hands-on experience. As such, this program exemplifies how educational organizations may work with industry counterparts to train the next generation of skilled and passionate agriculturists. Investing in such efforts will assure a thriving and profitable future for agribusiness in the region and beyond.

With optimism, under Dr. Maningas' supervision, DA-ATI CALABARZON will continue effectively bridging the gap between theory and practice, emphasizing the importance of sustainability, expanding community and industry involvement, and equipping students for successful agricultural professions.