As part of its steps to revive the traditional industry of Sampaguita rearing, the city government of San Pedro, Laguna has decided to tap into one of its most vital resources: the youth.
Recently, the city government proposed to include Sampaguita farming into the local curriculum in the city’s senior high schools.
The proposal rekindles among the city’s youth not just the awareness of the city’s (once) thriving Sampaguita sector but, more importantly, teaches them the value of agriculture.
Agriculture, let us face it, is fast becoming an “endangered” economic sector. Due to the low income, inadequate support from the government, and the perceived lack of “glamour” associated with the sector, agriculture has become a low priority among our youth who are more attracted by “white-collar” jobs with higher pay and better opportunities.
According to experts, the median age of farmers in the Philippines is now between 57 and 59.
In San Pedro City, in particular, only a handful of “old-timers” are still actively involved in the Sampaguita business, although the city government has constantly tried to emphasize the vital role of the youth in keeping this sector thriving.
With many of our farmers reaching senior citizen status, the future of our agricultural sector looks bleak, indeed.
It will be a tough sell nowadays for our youth to entice them to work in the agricultural sector, but it’s one thing local governments should encourage more.
“Dirty” and unrewarding as our agricultural sector had seemed for years, we should keep in mind that this is a sector that not only provides livelihood but also ensures that one of our most basic necessities are provided for.
#OpinYonLaguna #Editorial #YouthAndFarming #SanPedro #Sampaguita #Agriculture #Education #OpinYon #WeTakeAStand