The Department of Education in the Negros Island Region (DepEd-NIR) intends to replicate rural farm schools in Negros Oriental and Siquijor, an official said on Thursday.

Dr. Ramir Uytico, newly-appointed DepEd-NIR regional director, announced this during the inauguration of a brand-new school building at the South City Elementary School in Barangay Mangnao of this provincial capital.

“We want to replicate the establishment of the farm schools because until now, and it is on record, that it is only Region 6 that has established the first 31 DepEd-run farm schools in the country,” he said.

The DepEd has already downloaded the funds for the farm schools, some of which are located in Negros Occidental, he added.

Republic Act 10618 or the Rural Farm Schools Act mandates the DepEd to encourage the establishment of at least one public rural farm school in every province of the country.

“I expect that the eight additional divisions in Negros Oriental and Siquijor will have their farm schools,” Uytico, who was the DepEd regional director of Region 6, said.

The NIR is composed of the provinces of Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, and Siquijor.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara earlier called for better support to farm schools, emphasizing their role in equipping rural learners with the skills needed for agriculture and agribusiness, which are key pillars of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision for food security and economic growth. (PNA)