13/07/2025
The sentiments of all stakeholders in the agricultural space, from the public sector, to private sector, academia, research, extension personnel, and even third sector (NGOs) are valid.
What is important is to dive deep and navigate the intricacies of the law and how we can ensure that the interdisciplinary nature of agriculture remains to be respected; while equally acknowledging and respecting the sentiments of those who have licenses but have been bypassed due to the lack of a legal basis to obligate the specific hiring of agriculturists in certain positions (especially in government).
For context, the only existing law upon which the Licensure Exam in Agriculture (LEA) rests on is the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA) which was passed in the 90s. The times have changed, and many things have passed, and we have yet to professionalize agriculture as a profession. The law is good for all intents and purposes, yet the sentiments of all stakeholders need to be included and integrated now more than ever in the IRR to ensure the widest representation of agricultural development.
Kudos to all those involved in agricultural development from all walks of life. Now is not the time to build fences. It is the time to navigate and create a shared path towards a food-secure Philippines.
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