Free education for children of indigent farmers proposed in Congress

La Trinidad, Benguet — Benguet Rep. Eric Go Yap is pushing for expanded educational opportunities for the children of indigent farmers through House Bill No. 4655, a measure that seeks to provide free tertiary agricultural education and related courses.

This will “ensure that financial hardship will no longer stand in the way of students who want to pursue careers in agriculture and allied fields,” the Benguet lawmaker said.

Under the bill, qualified dependent children of indigent farmers would receive more than just free tuition. The measure also covers miscellaneous and other school fees, as well as living and transportation allowances, giving students the support needed to complete their studies and focus on their education.

Mr. Yap said the proposal recognizes the difficult realities faced by many farming families, who continue to struggle financially despite playing a vital role in ensuring the country’s food security.

He noted that many farmers make significant sacrifices to send their children to school while dealing with unstable crop prices, natural disasters, and rising production costs.

The Benguet lawmaker believes the measure will encourage more young Filipinos to take agriculture-related courses while easing the financial burden on farming households.

By investing in the education of farmers’ children, the bill seeks to help develop a new generation of skilled agricultural professionals who can contribute to the sector’s growth.

Mr. Yap emphasized the importance of inspiring the youth to view agriculture as a dignified and valuable profession, especially as the country faces challenges in food production and sustainability. “Education remains one of the most powerful tools for uplifting farming communities and securing a better future for the next generation,” he said. — Artemio A. Dumlao