BAYBAY CITY, Leyte - Recognizing the untapped potential of the youth to drive transformative change in Philippine agriculture, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) has been awarding scholarships to the children of smallholder farmers and fishers. These scholarships aim to empower the next generation of agripreneurs, fostering a collective effort towards innovation and development in the agricultural sector.
The EAsY Agri Program stands as a college scholarship initiative dedicated to support the children of smallholder farmers and fishers with a passion for agriculture. It aims to level the playing field, granting them equal opportunities to pursue degree programs in agriculture and related fields. Now on its 3rd Batch of scholars (AC2023-2027), the EAsY Agri Program allotted 14 slots for Region 8 for the first semester of 2023-2024.
On October 7, 2023, ATI-RTC 8 conducted an orientation and contract signing for the new scholars of the EAsY Agri Scholarship. Recipient of the said scholarship were mostly students enrolled in Agriculture and one in Veterinary Medicine. These students hail from different universities in Eastern Visayas including the Visayas State University main campus in Baybay City, Leyte (9), the Southern Leyte State University - Hinunangan campus (1), Eastern Samar State University in Borongan City (1), and the Eastern Samar State University- Salcedo campus (3).
Students and their parents were present for the contract signing. They were oriented about the scholarship program, and most of all show support to their children. Among the attendees were also MLGU staff from Gen. MacArthur, Eastern Samar and Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte. Joining them were the scholars of EAsY Agri batches 1 and 2. Being the forerunners of the scholarship, students from the early batches shared their experiences and testimonials of what it’s like being an EAsY Agri scholar. Tips were also given on how to become good academic performers. This is to encourage the new scholars and foster a sense of family among the students.
By investing in the education of these young individuals, the ATI aims to cultivate change agents within the AF sector, addressing the critical shortage of agricultural professionals in the country. This program has a broader mission—to enhance the competitiveness of Philippine agriculture. By supporting the education of aspiring individuals, it aspires to contribute significantly to achieving food security while simultaneously uplifting the socio-economic status of families engaged in the agricultural and fisheries (AF) sector.
