Philippine E-Journals

Adequacy of Technical Knowledge and Skills of BS Forestry Graduates (BSF) in Cagayan Valley Region

Herminia G. Allam | Cecilia B. Mangabat | Myrna T. Ramos | Marino R. Romero

Discipline: Education, Forestry

 

Abstract:

This study was conducted to assess the adequacy of technical knowledge and skills of graduates in the BS in Forestry (BSF) program in the Cagayan Valley Region (Region 02) as indicators of their employability. Through the use of questionnaires, stakeholders’ meeting and focus group discussion, the technical knowledge and skills of graduates as perceived by the graduates and their respective employers were evaluated. A total of ninety-six (96) graduates and fifteen (15) employers served as respondents who were selected through stratified sampling. A five-point Likert Scale was used to evaluate the graduates’ and employers’ perceptions. Analysis of data was made through frequencies, averages and percentages. Results showed that all indicators of knowledge and skills in the different areas of forestry curriculum have been rated as either adequate or moderately adequate by both the Bachelor of Science in Forestry (BSF) graduates and their employers. The fields of Social Forestry and Governance had the highest perceived adequacy level. The limited laboratory and other facilities in the Forest Biological Sciences was one of the mentioned reasons for low adequacy evaluation. The study recommends that curriculum review be conducted by Isabela State University (ISU) at Cabagan, Isabela and Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya with special attention to the knowledge, skills and other competencies that need to be enhanced to suit to the recent developments and demands of the forestry profession. It is also recommended that a strong linkage between academe and industry (representing the employers) should be established in order to enhance information exchange in regards to employment prospects. Finally, the forestry curriculum should give more emphasis on the provision of entrepreneurial knowledge and skills so that they can be appropriately self-employed once they graduate.