Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara visited the Ramon Torres Malingin Farm School in Barangay Malingin, Bago City March 17, and lauded it for being “unique.”
“They have the land to have their own farm and they operate like a farm even if they are a school,” he said. “(This is a) very viable lesson especially for our senior high school students because we want to teach our kids how to be entrepreneurs, and to learn accounting and business skills.”
Angara said the farm school’s best practices can be replicated in other schools across the country. “Definitely, there’s so many things that we can learn (from here), even the use of solar panels to minimize electric bills, and also the use of school space. I think that’s admirable; also, diversification, growing different crops is very important.”
Angara, accompanied by Department of Education undersecretary Irving Corvera and assistant secretary Marcelino Veloso, among others, toured the school’s vegetable garden, demo farm, fishpond, computer laboratory, and classrooms, among other facilities, the city said in a press release.
He also led the turnover of five units of laptops to the school that currently has 117 learners, from grades 7 to 10. “We will be giving more, it’s just the start. I think they need a building and (additional) teacher items as well.”
Principal Roger Raymundo thanked the secretary for taking the time to visit the farm school, and expressed hope that the agency will further recognize and address its needs.
Established in 2021, the farm school has been honing students in terms of knowledge, skills, and good values. It is the only farm school in Bago and among the 31 all over Western Visayas.
Angara’s party also included DepEd Region 6 director Ramir Uytico, DepEd-Bago Schools Division superintendent Neri Anne Alibuyog, and assistant schools division superintendent Arlene Yap. They were welcomed by students, faculty, and staff, as well as executive assistant Jom Somcio for Mayor Nicholas Yulo, Barangay Malingin Punong Barangay Henry Alvarez and kagawards, and 5th District Rep. Dino Yulo III, among others. ||
