Ocampo, Camarines Sur — Twenty-six Grade 12 students from the TVL–Agri-Fishery Arts (AFA) Strand of Sulpicio A. Roco Memorial High School achieved a 100% passing rate in the Agricultural Crop Production NC II competency assessment conducted on February 7–9, 2026 at the Pasto De Iriola Farm Assessment Center in New Moriones.
All 26 learners — composed of 12 females and 14 males from Section Mt. Asog, Batch 2025–2026 — were declared Competent, meeting national standards for technical certification.
The students underwent training at Shell Training Farm (STF) Bombon under Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) through the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Joint Delivery Voucher Program (JDVP).
This cohort marks the fourth batch of learners from the school to complete the program. The previous three batches were trained during School Year 2024–2025, with the current group representing the School Year 2025–2026 implementation.
Prior to the assessment, the students completed 320 hours — equivalent to 40 days — of structured classroom instruction and intensive farm immersion.
The training covered basic competencies such as workplace communication, teamwork, professionalism, and occupational health and safety. Learners were also trained in common competencies including farm waste management using 3Rs and 5S principles, as well as farm record keeping and basic financial documentation.
Core agricultural skills formed the backbone of the program, including nursery operations, land preparation and planting, crop care and maintenance, and harvest and postharvest handling.
By the end of the course, the students demonstrated readiness to manage crop production activities using safe, systematic, and sustainable practices.
Ms. Juvilyn Avila, TVL Teacher and JDVP Focal Person, described the 100% passing rate as a significant milestone for the school.
“I did not expect that all of you would pass the Agricultural Crop Production NCII assessment and be declared Competent in the skills you have learned. That is why we are here today—to celebrate this meaningful achievement. Your success is the result of your sacrifice, hard work, and teamwork. Always remember that the NCII you now hold is not the end, but only the beginning of your bigger dreams.”
Mr. James Bruma, STF Bombon Site Administrator, emphasized the importance of the certification as proof of verified competencies.
“The NCII or National Certificate II is proof of the skills and competencies you have achieved. You are now certified in Agricultural Crop Production. May you use your knowledge and skills not only for yourselves but also to help others.”
Noah Portuguez, PSFI Program Officer, highlighted the broader relevance of youth participation in agriculture, noting that many farmers today are already advanced in age.
“One hundred percent of you were declared Competent — a great honor and achievement for everyone. However, a certificate alone is not enough if the skills we learned in planting and farming are not applied to improve our lives.
Today, most farmers are already advanced in age. If no one continues in agriculture, our food security will be affected. Without farmers, there will be no food on our tables in the future.”
For the learners, the 40-day immersion was both technical and transformative.
Trainee John Smith Rangasao shared that the training was filled with lessons shaped by teamwork and perseverance.
“During our 40 days at Shell Training Farm, we learned many lessons. There were moments of laughter, tears, even small misunderstandings — but above all, we are thankful. Every mistake became a lesson. You taught us teamwork and leadership. You gave us the tools to succeed.”
Sean Franzine Rangasao, another trainee, added that agriculture goes beyond planting.
“Agriculture is not only about planting and caring for crops. It is about hard work, perseverance, responsibility, and caring for the environment.”
With their NC II certification, the graduates now have expanded opportunities — whether in employment within farms and agribusiness enterprises, starting small-scale farm ventures, contributing to family farming operations, or pursuing higher education in agriculture and related fields.
The sustained partnership among DepEd and PSFI continues to strengthen technical-vocational education and encourage youth engagement in agriculture.
As the fourth batch from the school achieves full competency, the program reinforces the importance of equipping young people with industry-recognized skills — helping prepare the next generation of agriculturists who will contribute to livelihood development, sustainability, and long-term food security.
