ZAMBOANGA CITY — Children and relatives of farmers are urged to avail of the government scholarship program to earn a degree in agriculture for free.
Melba Wee, Department of Agriculture (DA) assistant regional director for research policy, planning and regulatory, made the call following observations that children of farmers barely finish college studies.
Wee told the Philippine News Agency that they can avail of the scholarship program through agency’s Agriculture Credit Enhancement Fund (ACEF).
“This scholarship program has been there for years but there are only few or no takers at all,” Wee said as she urged parents to “encourage your children to study agriculture.”
Wee said through ACEF, each of the scholars is entitled to PHP2,000 monthly allowance and PHP1,000 book allowance per semester aside from studying with free tuition fee.
She said children of farmers can also enroll in agricultural allied courses such as agri-business, veterinary medicine, agronomy and others for free.
“Studying agriculture course doesn’t mean you will only study on how to cultivate crops. There are also allied courses that you can choose,” she said.
She said for those who are interested to avail of the scholarship program they can visit the DA office near them.
Meanwhile, she said that the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has also scholarship program for the children of fisher folks.
BFAR is an attached agency of DA that is responsible for the development, improvement, management and conservation of the countries fisheries and aquatic resources. (PNA)
