Science & Technology cum Entrepreneurship Applications in Enhancing Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Curriculums in the Philippines

Abstract

The regional economy of Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines is primarily dependent on agriculture, aqua-marine, forestry and other natural resource (AFNR) with major processed products exported to the United States of America, Canada, European Union and other countries in Asia. The region’s top export commodities include processed coconut products, seaweeds and rubber latex. Banana products, in addition to processed coconut products, are also the daily and common food and snack items among households and offices. These commodities are major contributors to regional economic development being the major sources of income of farmers and fishermen in the region. Since the AFNR sector also needs continuous and adequate supply of skilled manpower, training and education provides a platform for ensuring the continuous production of these commodities for the sustainability of income-generating activities of the producers, wages and salaries of employees in the factories as well as AFNR-based companies and the economic viability of the industry in general. To reinforce regional economic development through the flagship commodities of the region, the project “Science & Technology cum Entrepreneurship Applications in Enhancing (AFNR) Curriculums” was conceptualized and implemented. The project is a curriculum-enhancement intervention executed through “hands-on” internship across AFNR courses in three State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX), Philippines. Its four components (Coconut Sugar, Seaweeds, Tissue Culture and Rubber Seedlings) operate on experiential and pragmatic approach to enhancing the competence and institutional employability of AFNR students through Science & Technology (S&T) applications, acquisition of entrepreneurial skills and microenterprise development focusing on Zamboanga Peninsula’s major dollar-earning export commodities. The immersion of 362 student-interns has developed their technical and entrepreneurial skills that can match the requirements of AFNR industries. They can also use those skills to start microenterprises should they opt for self-employment after graduation. The project is also able to reverse the declining enrollment in AFNR courses in Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines. From School Year 2007-2008 to School Year 2010-2011, the project is one of the factors that contributed to the overall three-percent increase in enrollment in AFNR courses in the three participating SUCs in the region. As a result of the student-internship program, the four commodities produced by AFNR students are sold through grocery stores and directly to “walk-in” buyers, traders, farmers, local government units, non- government organizations.