UPLB offers free online review classes for agri board examinees

By Fred Dabu on July 11, 2024

*CHED, UP and SUC officials holding a copy of the signed memorandum of agreement for the ExcelLEArate program. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO.*

The University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) is offering free online review classes for examinees preparing to take the Licensure Examination for Agriculture (LEA) scheduled for November this year.

UPLB Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO.

"ExcelLEArate: A Review and Strategy Program to Empower Students for Licensure Examination for Agriculturists" is on its fourth week of implementation, involving at least 26 faculty members from UPLB, 72 facilitators, and 960 student-reviewers from participating higher education institutions, according to Dr. Amado Angeles of the UPLB College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS).

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

According to CHED, the average national passing rate of the LEA for the last five years is 35.56%. The ExcelLEArate program aims to enhance student performance and improve the passing rate in the said board examination. 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. said that this program is an opportunity for UPLB to test new ways of imparting knowledge. A structured review program covering all six subjects included in the LEA is being provided to students from: 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. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO.

CHED Chairman J. Prospero E. de Vera III explained that this is just one of many ongoing initiatives to help students and college graduates coming from marginalized sectors. He said that students will be able to save P10,000 to P20,000 or more, amounts usually spent for examinees' review classes. He added that CHED expects to improve the passing rate as well as to encourage more students to go into agriculture and fisheries.

*UP President Angelo A. Jimenez. Photo by Bong Arboleda, UP MPRO.*

Batanes State College President Djovi R. Durante added that air fare, cost of living for five to six months, and many other distractions also burden the reviewers; thus, the free online classes will spare them from these concerns and allow them to focus on the LEA.

Speaking on behalf of the officials of the 15 SUCs, Sulu State College President Charisma S. Ututalum said that the program epitomizes the transformative power of partnership for the country's next generation.

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