MANILA, Philippines — Students taking the board exam for agriculturists can soon avail of free review classes offered by the University of the Philippines (UP) Los Baños.
The review program, funded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), aims to boost the number of licensed agriculturists in the country as the passing rate for the Agriculturists Licensure Exam has stag nated below 50% for a decade, based on available data.
With fewer than half of all applicants passing the exam every year since 2014, CHED, UP and 15 state universities and colleges (SUCs) offering Bachelor of Science in Agriculture partnered to make review classes more accessible to students in far-flung areas, CHED said in a press release.
Only an average of 35.56%, or around a third, of test takers passed the board exam in the last five years or from 2019-2023, according to CHED.
“Students in these areas fail the licensure tests because there are no review schools in the area or they have to travel far to attend review classes,” CHED Chairperson Popoy De Vera said.
Agriculturists are professionals involved in the science, practice, and management of agriculture and agribusiness.
Review classes for aspiring agriculturists typically cost P10,000 to P15,000, on top of living expenses during the duration of classes, De Vera added.
“We will use the expertise of the UP Los Baños to conduct free licensure classes for our agriculture students who are preparing for the LEA,” he said.
CHED said that the free review classes will start in June, four months before the Agriculturists Licensure Exam in October.
The 15 SUCs selected to participate in the online review program were chosen based on their performance in the annual board exam, geographical location, presence of internet connectivity, and absence or presence of review centers within their areas.
MANILA, Philippines — Global Dominion Financing Inc. (Global Dominion) booked P6.8 billion of loans in 2023. This infusion to the Philippine economy mobilized businesses and empowered families to achieve their goals. This growth indicator was highlighted during the company’s 2024 annual stockholders’ meeting, attended by its board of directors, shareholders and senior managers.
Ruben Lugtu II, Global Dominion Chairman of the Board, opened the meeting with great appreciation to the company’s stakeholders, especially the employees.
“I believe we were able to achieve all these because of the values and the attitude our leaders, management team and employees brought to bear,” Lugtu said. Global Dominion employees grew to more than 1,000 in count when 2023 ended.
“I invite everyone to carry these values, the good attitude, and mental fortitude in discharging our duties,” Lugtu added as he closed his speech, referring to the organization’s core values integrity, excellence, innovation, care, fun and grit.
The organization also boasted more of its performance numbers from its consolidated financial statement, including its 19% net income growth, 7% return-on-assets, and 0.89% non-performing loans ratio.
Global Dominion vice chairman and CEO Robert Jordan Jr. said that 2023 was “no easy feat,” but it was successfully journeyed by the team through “strategic investments, innovative solutions, and relentless focus on quality.”
Jordan added that they “will continue to ignite and accelerate growth in people and organizations” as it continues with its expansion plans through 2024.
Lugtu and Jordan started Global Dominion in 2003 with the intention of helping the underbanked small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the country. Years later, they have proven how a purpose can drive a business to success, with the virtue of shared prosperity and desire for nation-building.
During the meeting, the board approved the report of the company’s president and managing director, Patricia Poco-Palacios. She highlighted the team’s growth and development amo ng its people, processes, and platforms. More than 100 employees were promoted while attrition rate was maintained at 2.84%.
Recruitment continues through 2024 when more branches are expected to be opened. A more efficient and secure financing is expected this year from the company, given its additional investment in new systems and technologies in 2023, particularly in line with infrastructure and security.
Customer experience and reach have also been improved through enhanced inquiries management and establishment of additional channels were Filipinos can learn more about Global Dominion products and services, including kiosks in malls in the metro.
Palacios also recalled the Dalawampung Kwento event, the company’s 20th anniversary celebration, the on boarding of the brand ambassadors James Deakin and Ogie Alcasid, and the collaborations with universities and the media for financial literacy events and speaking engagements. She also praised the company’s finance team for robust fund raising and reporting.
Global Dominion has been one of the leading financial services providers in the Philippines since 2003, catering to those in need of car/truck financing and car/truck refinancing, and now even real estate mortgaged loan and real estate financing.
For more information, visit gdfi.com.ph.
Editor’s Note: This press release is sponsored by Global Dominion. It is published by the Advertising Content Team that is independent of our Editorial newsroom.