LYCEUM of the Philippines University (LPU)-Laguna students were challenged by Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) Director Glenn Gregorio to explore agriculture careers in a Sustainability Series webinar held on Nov. 29, 2024.
Via Zoom, Gregorio was the speaker during the said webinar titled "Farming: A Poor Man's Job? Motioned to Change the Perspective of Students on Farming," organized by the League of Warriors, a student organization of LPU-Laguna.
The webinar highlighted the role of agriculture in society and showcased the field as a dynamic and rewarding career option to inspire the students to appreciate and explore the opportunities it offers.
In his presentation, Gregorio debunked the stereotyped and outdated farming outlook and discussed the transformation of farming from a manual, labor-intensive practice into a rapidly evolving field integrated with technology.
"Agriculture is a rising industry that combines science, technology and business. Modern agriculture uses drones, artificial intelligence, and robotics to increase efficiency and productivity," he explained, noting that these innovations help address global challenges like climate change and food security.
Reiterating diverse opportunities in biotechnology, food innovation and agri-technology, Gregorio positioned farming and agriculture as a promising career and pointed out that "lack of land for farming or limited space should not be a hurdle, considering alternatives like urban farming and agri-technology startups."
He also challenged the students to consider a future in agriculture and encouraged them to redefine farming and view it not as a poor man's job but as a calling that merges passion with purpose.
"Imagine this: You're not just a farmer; you're a climate hero, a technology innovator, a food system leader. Farming is no longer about surviving; it's about thriving," Gregorio said.