The agricultural education system in the Philippines generally lacks quality and relevance due to the rapid proliferation in the number of institutions and expansion of enrolment. As a result of this unplanned growth, coupled with financial constraints and shortage of qualified teachers, the institutions tend to be substandard, overcrowded and under-equipped. Consequently, graduates are usually poorly trained and have difficulty qualifying for employment in their respective fields. The one exception is the College of Agriculture of Los Baños where most graduates are employed in their field of study. 
To address these problems, a macroplan called the “National Agricultural Education System” recommends a strategy which involves stratification and differentiation of the roles of agricultural education institutions as centres of excellence as well as collaboration among them. Under the plan, one National College of Agriculture, at least 13 Regional Colleges and 75 Provincial Institutes for Agriculture (one per province supported by the national government) are to be established with each one assigned a specific role. 

Reference :  “In Search of New Directions in Agricultural Education in the Philippines”. Asia and Pacific Regional Round Table, 1990.

By: Rodel C. Dumalag | Teacher I | Bataan National High School | Balanga City