Six agriculture students and one agricultural engineering major were awarded the Youth in Agriculture Fisheries Program (YAFP) of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) while three MS in Agriculture students are recipients of Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Expanded Human Resource Development Program (EHRDP) Scholarship.

This information was received by MMSU during the visit of Rumelia dela Cruz and Leticia Urrutia of the ATI Central Office, and Rogelio Evangelista of the agency’s regional office, July 8. The ATI officers were accompanied by Office of Student Services and Development Director Henedine A. Aguinaldo in a courtesy call to President Miriam E. Pascua who expressed her gratitude for the agency’s continued support to the agriculture program of MMSU.

Recipients of the YAFP scholarship awards are: Duane Mark Raragon, Lucky Faith Mangrubang, Shella May Cudiamat, Raecielle Joyce Calaoagan, Karen Joy Cagaoan, Richard Reambillo, and Krizel Joy Balucon. DA employees enjoying EHRDP scholarship are: Ferdinand Casil, Jordan Gabor, Editha Jaramilla, and Christopher Aguirre.

ATI, DA’s extension and training arm, offers scholarship programs for degree and non-degree training in agriculture and fisheries.

YAFP was designed in furtherance of the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act which mandates the DA, particularly the ATI and the National Agriculture and Fisheries Council, in collaboration with other concerned agencies, to expand its existing program for scholarships. This is specifically designed for capable and deserving youth, particularly the children of smallholder farmers, to encourage and support their studies, services and professional careers in agriculture and fisheries.

Along the DA’s mandate of providing quality education and training on science and technology, the EHRDP generally aims to accelerate social progress and promote total human development. Specifically, it aims to offer a program of continuing education for DA staff, and expand existing program of scholarships for degree and non degree training in national and international institutions for deserving technical, scientific, and extension workers and practitioners in agriculture and fisheries.

YAFP scholars are entitled to free matriculation and miscellaneous fees, books, and school supplies allowance of Php3,000 per semester, a monthly stipend of Php6,000, research allowance of Php9,000, and graduation fees.

EHRDP scholars enjoy full basic salary and other benefits from their mother agency for the duration of the scholarship; free matriculation and miscellaneous fees, books, and school supplies allowance of Php10,000 per semester, monthly stipend of Php8,000, thesis support of Php50,000, graduation fees, and transportation allowances per semester.