By Kenneth Marcos 
Under the morning sun in Oriental Mindoro, rows of soil beds came alive as students carefully planted seedlings with their own hands. Laughter mixed with lessons as young learners from Aurora National High School stepped out of their classrooms and into the field, experiencing firsthand how food is grown and nurtured.
The students took part in a hands-on gardening activity at the Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center MIMAROPA in Barangay Barcenaga, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. The activity was part of their school immersion program, which aims to expose learners to real-world skills and practical knowledge beyond textbooks.
Guided by ATI-MIMAROPA trainers, the students learned the basics of crop production, soil preparation, and proper planting techniques. They were shown how to handle farm tools correctly, care for young plants, and understand the importance of timing and discipline in farming. For many of the students, it was their first time to work directly on a farm.
ATI-MIMAROPA officials said the activity was designed to help students appreciate agriculture as a vital part of daily life and national development. By allowing young people to experience farming early, the program hopes to inspire interest in agriculture and related careers, especially at a time when fewer youths are choosing to work in the sector.
Agriculture remains a major source of livelihood for millions of Filipino families. However, the sector faces challenges such as an aging farmer population, climate risks, and limited interest from the younger generation. Training programs like this immersion activity aim to address these concerns by building awareness and respect for farming among students.
During the session, trainers also explained how modern farming methods and proper training can help improve harvests and protect the environment. Students were taught simple but important concepts such as responsible water use, soil care, and the role of farmers in ensuring food security.
Teachers from Aurora National High School said the immersion activity helped students connect their lessons in science, technology, and livelihood education to real-life applications. They added that hands-on experiences often leave a stronger impact than classroom discussions alone.
For the students, the activity was both challenging and rewarding. Some shared that farming requires patience and hard work, while others said the experience helped them understand where food truly comes from. Many expressed pride in seeing the results of their efforts, even in simple planting tasks.
ATI-MIMAROPA emphasized that the training center remains open to schools and communities that want to learn more about agriculture. The institute regularly conducts training programs, demonstrations, and capacity-building activities to support farmers, fisherfolk, students, and local organizations across the MIMAROPA region.
Officials added that encouraging youth involvement in agriculture is key to ensuring the future of food production in the country. By sharing knowledge and skills early, institutions hope to develop a new generation that values farming, innovation, and sustainable practices.
As the students returned home with soil-stained hands and new insights, the experience left a lasting lesson: agriculture is not just about planting crops, but about nurturing responsibility, patience, and service to the community.
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