What's Happening?
The Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Philippines is set to hire 23,000 licensed agriculturists for a new bureau aimed at enhancing the country's farm and fisheries sector. Agriculture Secretary Francisco
Tiu Laurel Jr. has discussed this requirement with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), emphasizing the need to reintegrate agriculturist courses into state university curriculums. The initiative is expected to improve data collection, monitoring, and program delivery by having more extension workers on the ground. The DA plans to offer attractive salary packages and incentives to entice professionals to join the government service. This move comes as the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced that 6,678 out of 9,742 examinees passed the November 2025 Agriculturists Licensure Examination, marking a significant improvement from the previous year.
Why It's Important?
This hiring initiative is crucial for strengthening the agricultural sector in the Philippines, which is a vital part of the country's economy. By increasing the number of skilled agriculturists, the DA aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of its programs, leading to better agricultural productivity and sustainability. The move also provides significant employment opportunities for new graduates and professionals, potentially reducing unemployment rates. Furthermore, the initiative reflects a broader governmental support for agriculture, which could lead to increased investment and development in rural areas, ultimately contributing to national economic growth.
What's Next?
The DA will continue to collaborate with CHED to ensure the successful reintegration of agriculturist courses in university curriculums. The department will also finalize the details of the salary packages and incentives to attract qualified candidates. As the new bureau becomes operational, it is expected to play a pivotal role in implementing agricultural policies and programs, with a focus on real-time data collection and analysis. The success of this initiative could lead to further expansions and similar efforts in other sectors.
