The urgency to upskill and reskill those already working in agribusiness is more pressing than ever, especially for companies in Mindanao. Renowned agribusiness enterprises such as Anflo Group of Companies, Tagum Agricultural Development Company, Lapanday, South Davao Development Co., Inc. (SODACO), Alsons Aquaculture Corp., NutriAsia, Del Monte, INFARMCO, Kenram Palmoil Industries, La Frutera, San Miguel Corporation, Santeh Feeds, Sarangani Agricultural Company, Sumifru Philippines, Tateh Feeds, Unifrutti Philippines, and Vitarich Corporation have consistently proven that money can be made in agriculture despite decades of neglect and failed agrarian reform attempts. These companies have shown resilience in a challenging environment, much like their counterparts in Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Dual Agritech™ leads the way in agricultural education
One of the key players advancing agricultural education in the Philippines is the Dual Agritech™ Center for Excellence. This initiative, organized under Pampamilyang Paaralang Agrikultura Inc. (PPAFI), focuses on combining classroom-based education with practical field experience. This dual approach ensures that trainees not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also the real-world skills needed to implement advanced agricultural techniques. By partnering with industry leaders, local government units, NGOs, and academic institutions, the Dual Agritech Center is driving innovation and best practices in the agricultural sector.
The need to upskill top and middle managers in agribusiness was recognized as early as 2015, thanks to the leadership of the late Dr. Rolando Dy, who headed the Center for Food and Agribusiness (CFA) at the University of Asia and the Pacific for over 30 years. With financial support from Dr. Walter Brown, founder of A. Brown Energy Resources, UA&P launched the Agribusiness Executives Program (AEP), a six-month, part-time program aimed at developing managerial, analytical, and strategic thinking skills for executives and managers in agribusiness. Over the past decade, approximately 280 participants from top agribusiness companies have completed the program, which has been held in Davao and Baguio.
By fostering a new generation of skilled agribusiness leaders, programs like the Agribusiness Executives Program and the Dual Agritech™ Center for Excellence are essential for ensuring the continued success and sustainability of the Philippines’ agricultural sector
The AEP curriculum extends beyond farming, covering the entire supply chain—from post-harvest processing and cold storage to logistics and retail. Developed in collaboration with agribusiness practitioners, the program adopts an action-learning approach that emphasizes skills development and the application of theoretical knowledge to specific agribusiness projects. The program targets middle and senior-level managers who are either directly involved in planning and implementation or are expected to take on such responsibilities in the future.
Participants in the AEP come from both the private and public sectors, including BFAR, DA, DTI, DepEd ARRRM, Mindanao Development Authority, and DENR-MGB. The program consists of six modules delivered through a blend of online and face-to-face sessions. The next module will run from September 2024 to March 2025, with field visits included to provide participants with hands-on experience in agribusiness projects.
Way forward
By fostering a new generation of skilled agribusiness leaders, programs like the Agribusiness Executives Program and the Dual Agritech™ Center for Excellence are essential for ensuring the continued success and sustainability of the Philippines’ agricultural sector. As the industry evolves, the focus on upskilling and reskilling will be key to maintaining its growth and resilience in the face of future challenges.
Inspiration taken from Dr. Bernardo Villegas’ blog post.