Boholana agriculturists’ exam topnotcher’s goal: Modernize country’s farm sector

Ella Hazel Estrada

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Philippines — Agriculture may not be enticing to many.

But for Ella Hazel Barbarona Estrada, people should pursue the study of agriculture if they want to help others, improve food security and supply system in the country, and reduce poverty.

“Only a few young people are interested in agriculture due to the perception that farming is antiquated and unprofitable. But I would really like to convince people that agriculture is not just agriculture but agriCOOLture,” she said.

Estrada, 23, a native of Barangay Cansubayon in Loon town, Bohol province, topped this year’s licensure examination for agriculturists with a score of 86 percent, in results released by the Professional Regulation Commission on Nov. 18.

She is a product of the Visayas State University’s (VSU) push for “climate-smart” agriculture learning method, an integrated approach where students consider the climate as well as the characteristics of the crops or livestock that will be produced. VSU’s campus is located in Baybay town of Leyte province.

“Modernizing the country’s agricultural sector is very vital but we should also consider the skills of our farmers. Modern practices and modern equipment should match the skills of farmers,” she said.

Adopting climate-smart practices, including planting nitrogen-efficient and heat-tolerant crops, or finding better ways to conserve water, would reduce undernourishment for many people.

In August this year, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the agricultural output dipped by 1.5 percent in the second quarter of 2021 from a 0.5 percent growth in the same period in 2020.

While Filipino farmers faced difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, African swine fever and strong tropical cyclones, they remained resilient, noted Estrada.

She believed diversification and the use of modern technologies as well as effective management of food supply during this pandemic indicated that the country is well equipped to overcome the challenge.

Family, prayers matter

Estrada’s two Boholano classmates also landed in the Top 10. John Carlos Daga-ang Boyles of Sevilla town placed second with a score of 85.83 percent while Kathleen Mae Anino Auxtero of Dauis town ranked seventh with a rating of 84.67.

“I am very happy yet confused at first because I was not expecting to top the exam. Until now, the development has not fully sunk in,” Estrada said.

Before taking the exam, Estrada said she prayed the novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Cortes town for guidance.

“Actually, it’s about prayers. It’s too cliché to say that but I really lean on prayers before, during and after taking the exam,” she said.

Estrada said all she asked for was to pass the exam. Getting the highest score, she said, was a bonus.

She said a lot of people inspired her but her parents, Edward II and Mildred, and siblings, Dara Danielle and Edward III, were her greatest sources of inspiration.

Estrada said she took up agriculture because she grew up in a farming village and saw her grandparents toil in the land.

She finished her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in soil science at VSU in 2019 but it was only this year that she took the exams since she started working as a teacher after she graduated, Estrada said.

Estrada is currently teaching science subjects for Grades 11 and 12 at Governor Jacinto Borja National High School in Loon town.