Scholarship program sustains Ilocos Norte’s agri productivity
Ilocos Norte seeks to strengthen rice and fishery production while encouraging innovation in farming practices.
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Ilocos Norte seeks to strengthen rice and fishery production while encouraging innovation in farming practices.
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Alba Mia Cacao, a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture student at Mariano Marcos State University, represents the Ilocos Norte government’s investment in agricultural productivity and food security for the province.
The P25,000 grant that Cacao received under its Agriculture-Fishery Scholarship Program (AFSP) ahead of the opening of classes on 8 June eases her financial burden in pursuing college education.
“The scholarship has been a big help in covering school expenses, including learning materials and enrollment needs,” Cacao said, according to PIA.
The AFSP is providing P6.25 million in educational assistance to 370 agriculture and fishery students who will form the province’s new generation of agricultural professionals.
The scholarship also covers secondary learners who will pursue agriculture-related fields.
Current beneficiaries consist of 200 senior high school students given grants of P10,000 each, and 170 college students who received P25,000 each.
Tertiary scholars also received additional thesis assistance of P10,000 for third-year students and P15,000 for fourth-year students.
“This initiative ensures that young Ilokanos are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to improve agricultural productivity and support sustainable development in their communities,” Maria Deleilah Adriatico, head of the Provincial Education Office, said.
Anchored on Provincial Ordinance No. 019-2020 under the Sirmata Provincial Learners Scholarship Program, the AFSP has expanded since school year 2021 to 2022 as part of the province’s efforts to strengthen rice and fishery production while encouraging innovation in farming practices.
Qualified for the scholarship are residents of Ilocos Norte, belong to families with an annual income not exceeding P350,000, have good moral character, and must not be recipients of other government scholarship programs.
As a strategic investment in human capital, the ASFP contributes to national efforts to strengthen food security, increase agricultural productivity, and encourage youth engagement in farming and fisheries — sectors critical to sustainable rural development.
