Competencies of Technical Vocational Livelihood Teachers in Agriculture and Fishery Specializations in the Division of Laguna: A Basis for Capacity Enhancement Program

This study aimed to assess the competencies of Technical Vocational Livelihood teachers in Agriculture and Fishery Arts specializations particularly animal production (swine) and organic agriculture production including the problems encountered, coping mechanisms employed, differences in competency assessments among school heads, students, and teachers, and the relationship between problems encountered and coping mechanisms. A descriptive research design was utilized. Data was collected from 4 school heads, 6 TVL-AFA teachers, and 97 students using survey questionnaires supplemented by statistical tools such as weighted mean, ANOVA, and correlation analysis to determine differences and relationships among variables. Findings revealed that TVL-AFA teachers were generally perceived as very competent by school heads and students across all competencies while teachers rated themselves as competent in competency areas such as handling breeders, raising weanlings, producing finishers, producing organic vegetables, and producing organic fertilizer. The students rated TVL-AFA teachers as competent in raising organic chicken. Significant differences were found in competency assessments among the three groups. Teachers encountered high problems with resources and equipment while problems in instructional materials and training were moderately experienced. Despite these challenges, teachers frequently employed coping mechanisms particularly in instructional materials and resources and equipment. A significant relationship was identified between problems in training skills and coping mechanisms employed while other variables showed positive relationships but not statistically significant relationships. The study concludes that the teachers demonstrate adequate competency, gaps exist in industry exposure, training opportunities, and resource availability which affect instructional effectiveness. It is recommended that future research explore longitudinal studies on teacher competency development, the impact of industry immersion programs, and the effectiveness of targeted capacity enhancement initiatives in improving TVL-AFA teachers outcomes and aligning TVL-AFA instruction with industry standards.