The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) is now offering complimentary online review classes for candidates preparing to take the Licensure Examination for Agriculture (LEA) scheduled for November this year, according to the UPLB website. 

Dubbed “ExcelLEArate: A Review and Strategy Program to Empower Students for Licensure Examination for Agriculturists,” the initiative is currently in its fourth week. The program involves at least 26 faculty members from UPLB, 72 facilitators, and 960 student-reviewers from various higher education institutions, as shared by Dr. Amado Angeles of the UPLB College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS).

This initiative was formalized on May 3 when officials from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), UP, and 15 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) signed a memorandum of agreement at the CHED Auditorium in Diliman, Quezon City. The agreement aims to encourage students to participate in the program.

According to CHED, the national passing rate of the LEA over the past five years averages 35.56%. The ExcelLEArate program seeks to enhance student performance and improve the passing rate of the LEA. The 15 SUCs were selected based on their performance in the LEA, absence of LEA review centers, geographical location, and strong internet connectivity.

UPLB Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr. noted that this program is an opportunity for UPLB to explore new methods of imparting knowledge. The structured review program covers all six subjects included in the LEA and is provided to students from various colleges, including Basilan State College, Batanes State College, Capiz State University–Tapaz Campus, Isabela State University–Palanan Campus, Kalinga State University, Mindanao State University–Sulu Campus, North Eastern Mindanao State University–San Miguel Campus, Northwest Samar State University–San Jorge Campus, Quirino State University, Romblon State University–Cajidiocan Campus, Southern Luzon State University–Tayabas Campus, Sulu State College, Tawi-Tawi Regional Agricultural College, University of Eastern Philippines–Catubig Campus, and University of Rizal System–Tanay Campus.

CHED Chairman J. Prospero E. de Vera III explained that this is one of many ongoing initiatives to assist students and graduates from marginalized sectors. He highlighted that students could save P10,000 to P20,000 or more, amounts usually spent on review classes. De Vera also emphasized that CHED expects this initiative to improve the passing rate and encourage more students to pursue careers in agriculture and fisheries.

Batanes State College President Djovi R. Durante pointed out that airfare, cost of living for five to six months, and other distractions burden the reviewers. The free online classes will alleviate these concerns and allow students to focus on the LEA.

Sulu State College President Charisma S. Ututalum, speaking on behalf of the 15 SUCs, stated that the program epitomizes the transformative power of partnership for the country’s next generation.

UP President Angelo A. Jimenez underscored UP’s commitment to providing lower-cost and high-impact interventions. He noted that these efforts would benefit students and teachers alike, promoting the nation’s food security and sustainable development in the long run. Jimenez added that UP will also provide inclusive review classes for Forestry and Fisheries board examinees in the future.

Officials of the CHED, UP, and SUCs show their copy of the signed memorandum of agreement for the ExcelLEArate program. Photo courtesy of Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO.