The EASY Agri Scholarship Program offers substantial educational assistance for Filipino youth, particularly the children of smallholder farmers and fishers, to pursue degrees in agriculture, fisheries, and related fields.
This scholarship program, established under Republic Act 8435, aims to address the declining enrollment in agriculture courses and support the nation’s growing need for sustainable and nutritious food.
Beneficiaries can expect financial support covering tuition fees, living allowances, and other educational expenses.
The program provides an excellent opportunity to develop future agricultural professionals and entrepreneurs equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the sector.
Understanding the EASY Agri Scholarship Program
Agriculture is foundational to our nation’s growth, yet enrollment in agriculture courses has been steadily declining.
This decline threatens our ability to meet the increasing demand for sustainable and nutritious food.
To combat this issue, the Republic Act 8435, also known as the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997, empowers the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) to enhance and expand scholarship programs in agriculture and fisheries.
The EASY Agri program is designed to encourage young people, especially those from farming and fishing families, to pursue careers in agriculture.
Purpose of the EASY Agri Scholarship
The EASY Agri program has several key objectives:
- Encouraging Youth: Motivate capable and deserving youth, particularly children of smallholder farmers and fishers, to study agriculture and related fields.
- Providing Financial Support: Offer financial assistance for tertiary education in agriculture, fisheries, and other related courses.
- Developing Professionals: Produce skilled agricultural professionals and entrepreneurs who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to succeed in the agricultural sector.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the EASY Agri scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Filipino Citizen: Must be a Filipino citizen.
- Age Limit: Must be under 30 years old at the time of application.
- Parentage: Must be a child or ward of a farmer or fisherfolk, with an annual gross income not exceeding Php 120,000.
- Educational Background: Must be a Senior High School graduate with a GPA of at least 85%, willing to pursue a degree in agriculture, fisheries, or related fields.
- Entrance Exam: Must pass the entrance/qualifying exam prescribed by the school.
- Previous Scholarships: Must not have been a delinquent scholar in any previous scholarship program.
- Conduct and Health: Must have no pending case and be physically and mentally fit.
- ATI Relationship: Must not be related by consanguinity or affinity within the 2nd degree to any ATI employee.
Benefits of the Scholarship
The scholarship provides substantial financial support covering four to five years of tertiary education, depending on the course.
For a four-year course, the scholarship amount is up to Php 413,000.
For a five-year course, it is up to Php 519,500.
This includes tuition fees, living allowances, book allowances, and other necessary expenses.
Documentary Requirements
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- PSA or NSO copy of birth certificate.
- Certification from the Municipal Agriculture Office confirming the applicant is a bona fide child of a small-scale farmer/fisherfolk and Certificate of Indigency from the Barangay Captain.
- Certified true copy of Senior High School Report Card or photocopy signed by the applicant’s adviser or principal.
- Application documents to the chosen SUC or a copy of the entrance/qualifying exam result.
- Notarized Affidavit of non-delinquency in any previous scholarship.
- Certification of good moral character from the school last attended or the Barangay, or a Police Clearance.
- Notarized Affidavit of No Relation with any ATI Employee.
- Accomplished Scholarship Application Form with a 2” x 2” picture.
- Certification of good health from a government physician with X-ray and negative drug test results, and mental fitness certification.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the EASY Agri scholarship:
- Announcement: ATI-CDMD, through the Regional Training Centers (RTCs), will announce the availability of scholarship opportunities nationwide.
- Application: Interested applicants can apply at ATI-RTC Offices and receive a Scholarship Application Form and a checklist of requirements.
- Submission: Complete the application form and gather all required documents. Submit them to the concerned ATI-RTC by the specified deadline.
- Evaluation: ATI-RTC will review and evaluate all submissions, administer exams, and conduct interviews.
- Endorsement: Qualified applicants will be endorsed to the ATI Central Office, which will finalize the list of scholars.
- Notification: The ATI-RTC will notify qualified applicants and prepare individual Scholarship Service Contracts.
- Contract Signing: Scholars must sign the contract, witnessed by their parent/guardian and the RTC Head Accountant.
The deadline for applications is set around June for the incoming school year. It is best to keep posted by following the Department of Agriculture Philippines’ social media channels.
Scholar Responsibilities
Scholars must adhere to the following obligations:
- Sign a scholarship contract with ATI.
- Maintain the standards set by their school and the conditions in the scholarship contract.
- Refrain from engaging in paid work or accepting other scholarships without ATI’s consent.
- Maintain a GPA of at least 2.5 and avoid any grades of ‘Incomplete’.
- Conduct research aligned with DA-ATI priorities.
- Submit required academic documents every semester.
- Complete all degree requirements within the prescribed time.
- Behave honorably and complete the degree within the specified duration.
- After graduation, work with the government or in a related field for two years for each year of scholarship received.
Tips and Important Reminders
- Prepare Early: Gather all necessary documents well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
- Stay Organized: Keep track of deadlines and make sure all forms are correctly filled out.
- Understand the Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the eligibility criteria and see to it that you meet all conditions.
- Maintain Good Grades: Keep your GPA above the required level to avoid disqualification.
- Stay Informed: Regularly check the ATI website or contact your local ATI-RTC for updates and additional information.
Recent Updates
EAsY Agri Scholar’s Insights: Episode Recap
Catch up on the latest episode of #AgriAsenso featuring the experiences of EAsY Agri Scholar, Joanne Samson from Concepcion, Tarlac. Joanne shared the program’s benefits for youth in agriculture, answering key questions in the insightful discussion.
ATI invites Filipino youth to apply for the Educational Assistance for the Youth in Agriculture (EAsY Agri) Program Batch 3. The program offers scholarships to deserving youth pursuing studies in agriculture, fisheries, and related fields, providing various benefits and privileges to successful applicants. Interested individuals can check eligibility criteria and submit required documents to the ATI Regional Training Center for consideration.
Join “Agri Asenso” to learn about the Educational Assistance for the Youth in Agriculture (EAsY Agri) program by ATI. Joanne Samson, a Batch 1 scholar from Concepcion, Tarlac, will share her experiences and the support she receives as a scholar.
Video: AGRI ASENSO with KAREN OW-YONG & NIET ARCEO
Tune in to “Agri Asenso” on DZRH to learn about the Educational Assistance for the Youth in Agriculture (EAsY Agri) program by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI). Joanne Samson, an EAsY Agri scholar, will share her experiences in the program. Join the conversation and share your questions or reactions about youth engagement in agriculture.
Conclusion
The EASY Agri scholarship program is a significant opportunity for the youth, especially those from farming and fishing families, to advance their education and contribute to the agricultural sector.
By following the guidelines and meeting the responsibilities, scholars can achieve their academic goals and support the country’s agricultural development.
For more information, visit the ATI website or contact the nearest ATI-RTC Office.