SENATOR Loren Legarda has filed a bill seeking to establish a National Agriculture Education System (NAES) to strengthen and modernize agriculture education in the Philippines.

Under Senate Bill No. 2107, the proposed NAES will serve as a coordinated network of qualified public and private institutions offering agriculture education across the country.

The measure aims to improve the quality of agriculture programs, promote institutional specialization, strengthen research and extension services, and ensure that education and training are responsive to both national priorities and regional agricultural needs.

In her explanatory note, Legarda stressed that agriculture remains vital to the country’s food security, rural livelihoods, and environmental sustainability.

However, she noted that the sector continues to face persistent challenges, including low productivity, limited modernization, vulnerability to climate change, environmental degradation, and declining interest in agriculture among young Filipinos.

The senator also cited the fragmented state of agriculture education, saying existing programs vary widely in quality and specialization. She added that weak coordination among institutions and limited technology transfer have hindered the sector’s capacity to address the demands of modern agriculture.

To address these concerns, the bill proposes prioritizing the rationalization, strengthening, and upgrading of existing agriculture education institutions, while allowing the establishment of new institutions only when justified through evidence-based planning. The measure seeks to improve efficiency, prevent duplication of programs, and ensure equitable access to quality agriculture education nationwide.

Senate Bill No. 2107 likewise proposes the creation of an Agricultural Education Development Council, which will be tasked with formulating policies, setting standards, monitoring institutional performance, and strengthening coordination among educational institutions, government agencies, and industry stakeholders.

The council will also work to align agriculture education with national development goals, climate adaptation priorities, and sustainable farming practices.

Legarda said the proposed measure aims to strengthen food security, promote climate resilience, modernize agricultural production systems, expand rural employment opportunities, and develop the next generation of agricultural professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators.