What's Happening?
The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to hire 23,000 licensed agriculturists to enhance its new bureau, aiming to strengthen 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 initiative is crucial for the Philippines as it seeks to bolster its agricultural sector, which is vital for the country's economy and food security. By hiring a large number of agriculturists, the government aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of agricultural programs, ensuring real-time and accurate data collection. This could lead to better resource allocation and faster implementation of agricultural policies. The move also provides significant employment opportunities for new graduates and professionals, potentially reducing unemployment rates and stimulating economic growth. Furthermore, the focus on improving agricultural education and professional opportunities may lead to long-term advancements in the sector, contributing to sustainable development and increased productivity.
What's Next?
The DA will continue to collaborate with CHED to ensure the successful reintegration of agriculturist courses in university curriculums. The government is expected to finalize the details of the salary packages and incentives to attract qualified professionals. As the new bureau becomes operational, the impact of these hires on the agricultural sector will be closely monitored. The success of this initiative could prompt further investments in agricultural education and infrastructure, potentially serving as a model for other sectors in need of skilled professionals.
