Sen. to farm owners: Get P100-K a month through field schools

   By Mar T. Supnad

VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur— Sen. Cynthia Villar urged farm owners to turn their farms into farm schools as learning sites or training centers as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) had been supportive in establishment of farm schools nationwide.

She said the Farm Tourism Development Act of 2016 or Republic Act 10816 stipulated provisions to help farmers increase their income by providing alternative sources of income.

As an accredited learning site of TESDA, Villar said farm owners could earn up to P100,000 a month training 25 students. 

"The government gave P1-billion to TESDA as payment to trainers so that farmers and fisherfolk can study for free," Villar said.

Farm owners or interested farmers/fisherfolk can also study at Villar SIPAG farm schools in Cavite and Bulacan that were built for Filipinos to avail of free agricultural-related cases, something that they can teach in their hometowns once they finish the course.

“Teaching modern agricultural practices and technology mechanization to our farmers and fisherfolks will boost their knowledge in agriculture and technology so that we can stand up to competitors especially in ASEAN countries,” Villar said.

She said the national government down to the local government will continue to pursue better and innovative ways to help farmers and fisherfolks improve agriculture and fishery industries in the country. 

Villar expressed her gratitude to farmers and fisherfolks during the distribution of agricultural machinery here.

“Kung wala kayo, walang kakainin ang pamilyang Pilipino,” she said.

Addressing farmers’ associations and fisherfolk federations of Vigan City, the senator said, "Huwag niyong mamaliitin ang inyong kontribusyon na ginagampanan dahil napakaimportante ninyo, nakasalalay sa inyo at ang inyong mga bukirin ang food security ng ating bansa.”

As chairperson of the Senate committee on agriculture and food, Villar said this year, they will pass new bills beneficial to Filipino farmers and fishermen.