Assessment of Proficiency and Competencies in Agriculture Among Intermediate Students of Public Schools in Santa Maria, Laguna

This study was conducted to assess the agricultural proficiency and competency of Grade 4 to Grade 6 learners in five selected public elementary schools in Santa Maria, Laguna. A total of 495 learners participated in the study with 163 from Grade 4, 170 from Grade 5, and 162 from Grade 6 selected through stratified and non-probability cluster sampling. Data were collected using an adapted and validated survey questionnaire with a modified Likert scale. Descriptive statistics summarized demographic data, while ANOVA and Spearman Rho tested relationships between variables. Results revealed that learners demonstrated moderate knowledge but high levels of skills, attitudes, and overall competency in crop and animal production. Significant differences in proficiency and competency were observed based on age, grade level, place of residence, parental education, and family income, while sex, household size, and distance from school showed no significant impact. Strong positive correlations were found between learners’ knowledge, skills, attitudes, and agricultural competency, underscoring the importance of experiential learning and home support. Based on the findings, the study recommends enhancing practical agricultural instruction, improving teacher training, integrating farm-based exposure, and conducting further research to strengthen agricultural education within the EPP curriculum.