Partido Reporma chairman and standard bearer Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has called on the Filipino youth to consider agriculture-related courses to boost the country’s agricultural development, which has been taking a back seat in favor of blue and white collared jobs.

Lacson said students, especially those enrolled at different state universities and colleges (SUCs) should consider putting more premium to agriculture instead of focusing on liberal arts education.

“Lagi na lang mga liberal arts ‘yung focus ng ating mga kabataan (Our youth is more focused on liberal arts). So, why don't we just introduce a new concept wherein SUCs, especially those in the agricultural areas of the country, mag-focus na lang doon sa mga (will focus on) courses pertaining to agriculture,” said Lacson during the forum organized by the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FEIP), Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCI).

Lacson further vowed to introduce significant reforms in the Philippine education system which is going to be part of his economic agenda, especially in terms of developing the growth mindset of Filipino children aged 15 years and older.

Citing a recent international study, Lacson said he is concerned over the assessment that only 31 percent of 15-year old Filipinos hold a growth mindset. This means 69 percent of them have no plans of continuing their education.

“We should change that mindset. You know, that’s really dangerous. Growth mindset stops at 15 years of age,” he said.

The senator said he sees nothing wrong if some teenagers from the underprivileged sectors of society would prefer to stay and work in their farms, but this should not stop them from pursuing further education.

Lacson also said he hopes to see Filipino farmers get the same level of respect as those who are working in the agricultural industries of mostly first-world countries, instead of having children being forced by their parents to go into the corporate world in pursuit of higher salaries.

“You know, unfortunately, it is only in the Philippines where the farmers are poor. You go to the United States, you go to Europe, the farmers are the richest in their communities,” Lacson said.