Capabilities and Employers&rsquo; Assessment of the Current Human Resources in Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources in Region 1

Marivic  M. Alimbuyugyuen,; Emerita  D. Galiste,

Capabilities and Employers’ Assessment of the Current Human Resources in Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources in Region 1

Marivic M. Alimbuyugyuen | Emerita D. Galiste

Discipline: Economics

Abstract:

The study provides a comprehensive picture of the current human resource capabilities of graduates in agriculture, forestry and natural resources (AFNR) programs of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), Pangasinan State University (PSU), Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC), and Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU). Using the descriptive research survey design, data from mailed responses of 597 proportionately-sampled AFNR graduates; and those from mailed questionnaires of and interviews with 166 employers of AFNR graduates selected through snowball sampling were gathered and analyzed. Majority of the AFNR current human resources in Region 1 consisted of females, singles, rural area residents, and public secondary school graduates. They pursued an AFNR course because of the immediate employment prospects, affordability, and job opportunities. The graduate-respondents rated themselves to be good in terms of the specialized knowledge and skills in AFNR. They claimed that their AFNR curriculum was very relevant from which they gained their competencies. Most of the AFNR graduates were employed in private local firms/organizations in the rural areas as contractual workers. Moreover, the employers of the AFNR graduates were very satisfied with their employees’ understanding of their major and outside fields of study. They were also very satisfied on the general qualities, general skills, and specialized skills of their workers vis-avis their job requirements. On the whole, employers were very satisfied with the overall preparation of their employees. Nevertheless, the employers suggested that speaking and communication skills, using new communication and information technologies, and maximizing team work be given emphasis in the AFNR curricular offerings. Additionally, they express their intention to hire AFNR graduates from state universities and colleges.

References:

Bogue, P. (2002). The attitude of secondary level students toward a career in agriculture. Retrieved from http://www.farmersjournal.ie/image/report%202nd% , 20 September 2009. DMMMSU ANNUAL REPORT (2007-2008). (2008). Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Bacnotan, La Union.
Domingo, Doreen, et al. (2007). MMSU Graduate Tracer Study. Mariano Marcos State University, Batac, Ilocos Norte. Unpublished Report.
Dyer, J.E. and Breja, L.M. (2003). Problems in recruiting students into agricultural education programs: A Delphi study of agriculture teacher perception. Retrieved from http://ejse.Southwestern.edu/volumes/v11n2/articles/t01_ikeoji.pdf, 25 September 2009.
http://neda.net/Regional Update 2008/Labor Market.htm. Retrieved 15 September 2009.
Horton, P.B. and Hunt C. (1985). Sociology. 6th ed. McGraw Hill Book Company, New York.
Milestones 2007. Mariano Marcos State University. Communication and Media Relations Office, MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte.
PSU Annual Report, 2007. Pangasinan State University. Mega Stars Printers, Mangaldan , Pangasinan.
PSU Information Bulletin. Director for Admission and Testing. PSU, Lingayen, Pangasinan.
PSU 13th Biennial Celebration Souvenir Program, PSU, Lingayen, Pangasinan.
University Catalogue (1998-2003). Mariano Marcos State University, Batac, Ilocos Norte.
Stark, R. (1987). Sociology 2nd ed. Wadsworth Publishing, Co Belmont, California.
Weblo, R.B. and Sherman, R. (1989). Schooling and Society, 2nd ed. McMillan Publishing Co, New York.
www.ched.gov.ph/data/statisticsindex.html , 2008, Retrieved, September, 2009.
www.poea.gov.ph/stats/stals2007 . Distribution of OFWs by Region and Provinces for the Year 2007. Retrieved 12 September 2009.