Study highlights role of nutrition literacy and agri life skills for the Filipino youth

Growing Leaders The Importance of Nutrition and Agriculture Education for Filipino Young People

A recent study highlights the crucial role that nutrition literacy and agricultural life skills play in empowering Filipino youth to transform the food system.

According to Ma. Cristina Sison, a co-author of the study titled Youth Engagement in Transforming the Food System to Address Malnutrition in the Philippines, our youth will be the future experts and leaders who will shape the quality of food from our agriculture sector and impact nutrition. Chronic undernutrition has serious consequences for physical and cognitive development, future productivity, earning capacity, and risk of chronic diseases.

The Long-Term Consequences of Undernutrition

Unless more young people pursue careers or vocations in agriculture, the food system's human resources may be at risk. Integrating basic nutrition and agricultural education into elementary and high school curricula is essential to ensure that students develop the life skills they need to address malnutrition.

A Holistic Approach to Nutrition and Agriculture Education

While current basic education in the Philippines focuses heavily on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), the coverage of nutrition and agriculture is often fragmented. However, a more holistic and hands-on approach used at the University of the Philippines Rural High School provides students with broader and deeper exposure to these vital topics.

Enhancing Nutrition and Agriculture Education

To enhance nutrition and agriculture education in schools and communities, educators can tap into existing youth organizations, such as the 4H Club, and Department of Education initiatives like Gulayan sa Paaralan (school gardens). This will enable students to develop a deeper understanding of nutrition and agriculture and their importance in addressing malnutrition.

Platforms for Dialogue and Development

The Agriculture and Development Seminar Series (ADSS) of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (Searca) serves as a platform for dialogue on development and research, with the aim of advancing sustainable transformation of Southeast Asian agricultural systems through innovation. The ADSS continues to provide opportunities for participants to engage in discussions and share knowledge.

Empowering Youth

In one of the recent ADSS events held on September 24, 2025, around 80 participants were onsite and online, including students, educators, and development practitioners from the Philippines and other Asian countries. One youth participant reflected, As a youth, I must be proactive in engaging others about healthy nutrition. When I go back to my hometown, I will encourage them to be involved in small activities like having a garden in their backyard.

Conclusion

The study highlights the critical role of nutrition literacy and agricultural life skills in empowering Filipino youth to become leaders in transforming the food system. By integrating these essential life skills into curricula and leveraging existing youth organizations and initiatives, educators can help young people develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to address malnutrition and ensure a sustainable future for the agriculture sector.

Key Takeaways

Nutrition literacy and agricultural life skills are critical for Filipino youth's success in transforming the food system.
Integration of these essential life skills into curricula is necessary to empower young people to become leaders in addressing malnutrition.
* Existing youth organizations, such as the 4H Club, and Department of Education initiatives like Gulayan sa Paaralan (school gardens), can be leveraged to enhance nutrition and agriculture education.

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