THE CONCEPT of agricultural productivity, rural development and self-sufficiency have been introduced by 26 farm schools in Western Visayas to 3,827 Grades 7 and 8 students.

Since 2021, the Department of Education office in Western Visayas has been implementing farm school program as part of its K to 12 Basic Education program.

Under Republic Act 10618 or the Rural Farm Schools Act, the farm school curriculum is integrated into all subjects aligned with agriculture.

DepEd Regional Director Dr. Ramir Uytico also launched the Home Gardening Program.

“I am not an Agriculture major. But I was thinking during the pandemic, only those who have food on the table are not so affected,” Uytico said.

There are two farm schools each in Antique and Bacolod City, three in Iloilo and Capiz provinces, one in Iloilo City and Guimaras, and 14 in Negros Occidental.

The DepEd partnered with the Department of Agriculture and its attached agencies for the provision of seeds, garden and fishery tools and equipment and technical assistance.