Xavier University through its College of Agriculture inked a partnership agreement with Saint Isidore School of Agricultural Technology (SISAT) at Zamboanguita, Bukidnon for the practicum training of SISAT’s students at the Manresa Farm.

The partnership is for horticulture and animal production students of SISAT to hold their on-the-job training at XU’s experimental farm under the guidance of XU faculty members. The memorandum of agreement signed on March 6 only formalized the tie-up between the two Jesuit-run institutions since XU has previously received two batches of on-the-job trainees from SISAT. The second batch completed their training just this February.

With the On-the-Job Training program, XU hopes to assist SISAT comply with the Horticulture NC II and Animal Production NC II programs’ requirement for graduating students to be exposed to the field where they can gain experience, and relate and apply theories learned to real situations and problems in the farm. Besides the practical experience, the practicum also aims to help the students develop self-confidence, motivation and positive attitude required of the profession.

“For the long-term, the college is looking into how the partnership with SISAT can be improved to support the K to 12 program,” said Rey Mante, assistant dean of the College of Agriculture.

In addition to the assistance extended to SISAT, XU is also helping to link the Zamboanguita community with Nestle Philippines, Inc. for coffee production, as an alternative means of livelihood for the parishioners at Zamboanguita.