TM backs scholarship for agri sector

TM (formerly Touch Mobile) continues to serve blue collar workers in the agricultural sector by supporting a major program of the National Federation of Hog Farmers, Inc. (NFHFI) that aims to further develop the hog raising industry in the Philippines.

This TM-supported NFHFI initiative, dubbed "Scholars ng Farmer" program, will enable underprivileged but deserving students to enroll in agricultural courses directly related to hog production and livestock farm management.

Starting in 2006, application for scholarships will be open to Filipino high school graduates who have been recommended by a farmers’ organization. The aim is to encourage and develop new expertise that will contribute to the advancement of the domestic hog industry.

The "Scholars ng Farmer" program will be launched on Dec. 9, at the Manila Pavilion. It is part of the NFHFI’s upcoming line-up of advocacy programs, which also include research grants and knowledge exchange programs for hog farmers.

"TM understands the importance of agriculture in nation-building. Supporting the Scholars ng Farmer program strengthens our overall thrust of empowering blue collar workers," says TM head Nonie Busuego.

"In cooperation with the NFHFI, we will work to give farmers and their families a chance to enhance their knowledge of science and technology and apply it in their industry. In this way, we hope to contribute to the improvement of Philippine agriculture."

The NFHFI scholarship program is one of the many ways by which TM supports the agricultural sector and other blue-collar workers. It has also partnered with the Department of Agriculture to make SMS weather alerts available to farmers and to provide consumers with text advisories on the prices of basic goods.