As we move forward into the future, the challenge for all humanity is how to feed over seven billion people in the world, It is a local and global issue for the Philippines, as an agricultural country with rich and fertile land, and apt climate for farming.

It is no wonder that advancements in agriculture and farming technology have modernized the industry and resulted in new ways to increase production, maximize yield, and efficiently and sustainably utilize land and other resources.

Equipment and other tools are constantly being fine-tuned and improved while strategies in efficient farming are also being studied and developed in research facilities and universities around the world.

The country still has immense room for growth and development in the agricultural sector. There is still a long way for us to go in terms of modernizing and streamlining our agricultural sector.

Taking into account that Filipino farmers have an average age of 57 years, just 3 years shy of retirement, there is a pressing need to involve the youth in improving farming and agriculture in the Philippines.

The Tarlac Agricultural University Bill of 2015 seeks to do just that through advanced, technology-driven education, innovative training, and useful & practical research.

The proposed measure aims to transform the Tarlac College of Agriculture into a state university to cater to the region’s needs and potential for agricultural growth.

The University will seek to offer advanced education, higher technological, professional instruction and training in the fields of agriculture, science & technology, teacher education, engineering, agribusiness management, nontraditional courses and other relevant fields of study.

It will strive to also undertake research, extension services and production activities in support of the development of the Province of Tarlac, and of Central Luzon, an agricultural region, and provide progressive leadership in its areas of specialization.

Considering the unprecedented and growing demands of the community and the labor market for more specialized and expanded services in agricultural education and other related fields, it is high time to have an agricultural university in the region.

Once converted, the institution will become a potential avenue for intensified collaborative researches as well as technology promotion and commercialization, thereby attracting more young Filipinos, and probably other Southeast Asian students as well, to take on agro-development courses to advance our food security efforts in the region. In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
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