La Salle University Integrated School

Ozamiz City

The Perceived Level of Support among Grade 12

STEM Students towards the Farmers

Presented to
Sir. Wishly Jalem & Ms. Michelle Hinagdanan
English/Research 12 Instructor

By

Abcede, Rianah
Baliog, Kristel Rose
Mercado, Kaye Courtney
Murallon, Precious Jewel
Olape, Mark Leo

DECEMBER 2020
 Abstract
Farmers have been a huge support in our community’s environment; they are the ones
that are responsible for expanding society’s resources, but agriculture is undervalued and
neglected in our society. Agriculture has always been a remarkable factor/role in the
sustainability and development of human society (Frick, Birkenholz, & Machtmes, 1995). And
this study aims to analyze the perceived level of support among Grade 12 STEM Students
towards the Filipino Farmers. It employed a descriptive-developmental type of research using the
quantitative approach in gathering and collecting data. The researchers used convenience
sampling due to the availability of the respondents from Grade 12 STEM Students to answer,
analyze and interpret the questionnaires based on their knowledge and perceptions towards the
farmers. The gathered data were from the 81 respondents’ knowledge through the use of
research-made questionnaires, this was analyzed and interpreted by the researchers. This study
concluded that the respondents coming from Grade 12 STEM Students who are from La Salle
University are aware and support the farmers but they are not active enough to take action.
Despite the rumors spreading throughout the country, the students still believe, support, and
acknowledge the hard works of the farmers. In the belief of the researchers, the support and
knowledge that the students’ have are not enough and these must be converted into actions to see
change through the research-based project.

Keywords: agriculture, filipino farmers, perceptions, level of support, awareness

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 Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION

Perceived level of support refers to an individual’s belief in which social support is

accessible, and generally considered positive or negative, and it provides what is considered as
needed by that individual. Students are talented and popular members of the community, they are
the future builders of the country. Agriculture has always been a remarkable factor/role in the
sustainability and development of human society (Frick, Birkenholz, & Machtmes, 1995).

The farmers have been a great help to the community's environment. Since they are the
ones who help in creating more opportunities for the society. As stated in the Agriculture goods,
“Agriculture plays an important job in the entire community of a given economy. It is the
foundation of the economic system of a given country. Agricultural producers are responsible for
harvesting the crops and for planting. Besides providing various foods, raw materials and
supplies to the society, agriculture itself also gives a lot of job opportunities to a very large
percentage of the population.”

The Philippines exports agricultural products around the world, including the United
States, Europe and ASEAN countries. Even in rural areas, particularly in Misamis Occidental
they also export their harvests not only in big cities but also in other rural areas. For decades,
agriculture had been with the community. It is the main source of food. Even today, agriculture
and beyond farming includes forestry, dairy, fruit refinement, fisheries, poultry, beekeeping,
mushroom, arbitrary and much of more. Not only that it gives food but also it is the source of
income to farmers. But after their efforts for the society, still agricultural stereotypes are created
and perpetuated from lack of knowledge.

The important role of agriculture as an establishment for a secure and durable civilization
is not always apparent to those outside of agriculture (Boleman & Burrell, 2003). Especially this
generations, the youths often view agriculture only in terms of narrow stereotypes—a farmer, a
cow, and/or a tractor (Blackburn, 1999), with the stereotypical farmer the youths only imagined
as an old man that "wears bib overalls and chew[s] on straw" (Holz-Clause & Jost, 1995). These
groups of children and youth represent the future leaders of society (Boleman & Burrell, 2003),
the people whom the society will depend on to support, regulate, and advocate for agriculture.

This study aims to gain the insights of the youth perceptions towards agriculture which
allows the researchers and educators to develop each method to better educate and inform not
only the youths but also the society about agriculture. The development of agricultural interest
among youth can ultimately lead to not only a more agriculturally aware society but also a labor
force to support agricultural practices which allows the society to thrive (Holz-Clause & Jost,
1995).

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 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE  
This literature review will focus on issues supporting the ideas of the project. These
topics include similar studies of agricultural awareness and social media use, social marketing,
survey components, common sources of survey bias and the perception of agriculture among
high school students.

Agriculture affects all people; therefore men and women of all ages and ethnic groups
should have a vested interest in agriculture (Law et al., 1990). Farmers are important in
agriculture to prosper however, only few students enroll in agricultural courses because of
limited interaction and little to no agricultural education which results in the lack of basic
agricultural knowledge, children instead learn in secondary sources such as television, online,
and book (Ruth, Laundy and Park 2006). The lack of agricultural education also leads to
agricultural stereotypes, people think farmers as old men, wearing hats, dark colored skin and
many more. This can further discourage the interest of the students in pursuing agricultural
courses and agriculture as a career in the future.

Agriculture affects consumers all over the world. Improved knowledge and awareness of
the industry in young adults will ultimately help determine the future of the industry (Burris,
2013). An agriculturally aware community can foster positive agricultural perceptions within a
student, while an agriculturally illiterate community can cause the proliferation of stereotypes
(Smith & Sutton 2009). As said by Smith & Sutton (2009), it could cause “stereotypes” by
having no knowledge of agriculture or about farmers but there are also no problems in learning
about it too. To those agriculturally aware communities, some made successful business with
that knowledge but some students don’t seem to acknowledge that. Because of the term
“successful” to some students these days are professional careers like doctor, lawyers, teachers
and more. But taking on the course of agriculture can also lead you to be successful. By having
knowledge of agriculture, everyone can stand their own business and earn more for their family.
By opening the minds of the society towards the world of agriculture, they will surely appreciate
the efforts of the farmers or it can also take on the course of agriculture.

Another study used two pilot groups to study both the agricultural knowledge and
perceptions of inner-city high school students. The study concluded that respondents from
smaller cities and towns were found to be more knowledgeable than their counterparts from
larger population centers regarding agriculture (Frick et at., 1995) smaller cities are rich in nature
that makes them involved and knowledgeable towards agriculture. Some of their family
members are also farmers which makes children learn at a young age. However, those students
that live in big cities have less knowledge since they were not born in a place of farming, their
knowledge about it was only gained through secondary sources which are the internet, books and
television.

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 The study of Keesha, Brian and Pamala (2014) reported that students are much more
engaged in computer science and modern technologies. Leaving agricultural science, which not
only feeds the world, also comes up with medical solutions. In the world where people live
today, they want things to take it easy. In the perspective of the students, being a farmer takes in
a lot of effort and hard work. Seeing them in a whole different perspective, opposite of the city,
students will be discouraged and will shift their thoughts in a negative way.

That is why education is a must for everyone so that it can understand and appreciate the
farmers. Understanding can help the society avoid those negative thoughts about farmers and that
is why educating one’s self is important.

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 Theoretical Framework
In this study we used The Social Learning Theory of Albert Bandura (1977) is known as
the bridge between traditional learning theory and cognitive approach. This theory believes that
humans need to rely on the effects of their own action for them to know what to do. These
support social interactions as the basis of learning. It explains human behavior in terms of
continuous reciprocal interaction between cognitive, behavioral, and environmental influences.
According to Bandura, thoughts, perceptions, and stereotypes are created through the social
exchanges observed and participated in. Bandura (1977). Also, the rural and urban communities
differ as a result of differences in the residence ethnicity and etc. And may encounter a slight
interaction in different settings.
This social learning theory of Albert Bandura (1977) explains the learnings of the students since
students vary their knowledge about agriculture in their behavior, cognition, and environment.
Students nowadays have the technology, they can always search or watch and observe some
videos in the televisions, books, and internet for them to and be guided. This is suitable for our
study since this theory talks about observing and doing what they observe, students’ perception
of farmer and agriculture will depend on what they observed, what they already know, and to the
environment they belong to. Those factors will affect their perception, it may be positive or
positive.

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 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
This research aims to determine the perceived level of support among the Grade 12 Stem
students towards the Filipino Farmers. And this study seeks to answer the following questions:
1. What are the views of Grade 12 STEM students towards farmers?
2. Which perception or view about farmers is strongly agreed upon by the respondents?
3. What research-based project can be made to address the problematic or negative
perception?

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

This study uses convenience sampling where it focuses only on the perceived level of
support among Grade 12 STEM students towards the Filipino Farmers. The researchers
conducted a survey where 81 of the Grade 12 STEM students from La Salle University
Integrated School, Ozamiz City partake in answering the questionnaire in the school year 2020-
2021. The students are capable of answering this question since they are mature enough and they
already have a prior knowledge about the issues roaming around. And to know how they
perceived the Filipino agricultural producers, despite the differences of the field, strand or
profession they have chosen. The study employed a descriptive design since it is trying to
describe the perceptions of the students before and after conducting the research. The design was
also deemed appropriate for the study particularly in assessing the perceptions of the young
generations towards Filipino agriculture producers.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Through this study the researchers were able to view the benefits and the perceptions of
the Grade 12 students towards the Filipino agriculture producers. And the benefits of the farmers
when they received support from society.
Filipino Agriculture Producers (Farmers): This study helps in letting the farmers know their worth as a
human being and a laborer. And it lets the farmers know that despite the hardships that they have
experienced, there are still a lot of people who are rooting for their works, efforts, and determination to
produce goods for the community. Knowing about the spread of awareness that the students
conducted about farmers can be a great help. It can make them feel appreciated and to keep
working hard now that the researchers are helping to spread awareness to others. Farmers will
get this opportunity to seek more help and to be able to fight for their rights. It has been hard for
them since farmers don’t have a lot of support. By this study, it will avoid negative thoughts
about farmers and it will help get more opportunity for the society.

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Grade 12 STEM Students: This study helps the students to know about agriculture including its
benefits and support to the farmers. Through this research, students will now have knowledge
and ideas to raise awareness about the efforts and hard work of the farmers. It will also give
awareness to other people and to let them know how important to give support and to have
knowledge about Filipino Agriculture. As farmers have been seeking help and are having a hard
time to financially support their families. The help of the students will be able to support, and the
farmers will be able to create more opportunity for the society. At the same time students know
or have an idea on how they can support and care to give strength to all the farmers to continue
to do their work as a producer.

Youths of The Future Generations: It helps the youths of the future generations that the work
of the farmers is not an easy task or job. Since there are times when they experienced
unpredictable events, problems, etc. which will be harder for them to solve it right away. And
through raising awareness, it will strengthen the communities to help and support the farmer’s
hard work. Farmers have been giving their best in harvesting the crops and even for planting. It
is important for everyone, even the youths of the future generation to be aware and support
farmers because there will be instances that they could help support and remain the rights of the
farmers. The help of the youth of the future generation will help farmers be supported and to be
acknowledged. The more the future generation knows about the importance of agriculture or
farmers the more support the farmers can get.

Future Researchers: This study will be more helpful to future researchers for them to
understand and spread awareness about the situation of the Filipino agriculture producers. It
serves as their guide for them to have an inspiration in conducting this research since there are a
lot of farmers who needed help. Researchers should be inspired in taking this research, since
there are a lot of farmers needed help and to be able to spread awareness on how important to
know the life of a farmer will be able to support them. There are only few researchers who
studied regarding this kind of topic and to be able to conduct this kind of research will let others
understand that agriculture is important in the community’s environment.

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 CHAPTER 2
Method
The present study employed a descriptive-developmental type of research using the
quantitative approach in gathering and collecting data. The descriptive method is specially
employed to determine the perceived level of support among the senior high grade-12 STEM
students towards our Filipino agricultural producers or our farmers the design is also deemed
appropriate for the study particularly in assessing the perceptions of the young generations
towards Filipino agriculture producers. Developmental research is used for the researchers to
provide an action plan and suggestions with regards to the said topic. The study surmises that the
perceived level of support of the senior high grade-12 STEM students will greatly help our
Filipino agricultural producer to voice out their concerns. Along with that, it will help spread
awareness and enlighten those who are unknowledgeable and those who take for granted on how
important the backbone of life is, which is agriculture.
This study is convenience sampling where it focuses only on the perceived level of
support among Grade 12 STEM students towards the Filipino Farmers. Researchers used
primary data collection techniques which are through a survey that is a researcher – made
questionnaire. The questionnaire has been shown to research experts to ensure the accuracy and
validity of the research questionnaires. The researchers conducted a survey where eighty-one
(81) of the Grade 12 STEM students from La Salle University Integrated School, Ozamiz City
partake in answering the questionnaire in the school year 2020-2021. But due to the pandemic
the researchers were not able to conduct a survey personally but instead of doing it personally the
researchers used online surveys through google form.
The variables in this study such as age, block number and environment were not
manipulated. This study has independent variables and dependent variables. A learning style is
the way that different students learn. A style of learning refers to an individual’s preferred way to
absorb, process, comprehend and retain information. Environment is the surroundings or
conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.

Researchers made sure that respondents are well aware of the purpose of this research.
This is voluntary and consent is asked, therefore respondents are free to not join or withdraw
their participation to the said survey. The data collected were used for research purposes only
and researchers guarantee that identity is hidden for confidentiality.

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 Chapter 3
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This chapter presents, analyzes, and interprets the gathered data. The data collected were
gathered through the use of questionnaires. Thus, the data are presented following their
respective order in the problems treated in this study.

Table 1. Perceptions of the Grade 12 STEM Students Towards Farmers

Indicators Mea Verbal

n Indicator

1. Students should have basic knowledge about agriculture (e.g

the life of the farmers and the source of the food supply). 3.69 Agree

2. I believe that there are a lot of farmers around the world who
are old and poor. 3.57 Agree

3. I feel disappointed in how farmers throw their crops just

because it is bought at the lowest price. 3.19 Agree

4. It is just fair that the businessman or seller has higher profit

than the farmer who works hard for it. 1.57 Strongly
Disagree

5. I am well aware of how farming is done and I appreciate the

effort of our farmers. 3.74 Agree

6. I know about farming through social media and books but I

have never experienced it first-hand. 2.78 Disagree

7. I joined a virtual/online protest in support of our dear farmers

who are treated poorly. 2.37 Disagree

8. I ignore how the government treats the farmers poorly for not
even crafting laws in protecting them. 1.80 Strongly

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 Disagree

9. I agree that addressing the actual problems and needs of rice

can help the farmers in enhancing agricultural productivity. 3.74 Agree

10. I believe that farmers are not the front liners of the country.
1.53 Strongly
Disagree

11. I have heard about farmers but I haven’t seen them physically
doing their job. 1.28 Strongly
Disagree

12. I strongly support movements about enriching or supporting

farming and the lives of the farmers. 3.84 Agree

Grand Mean 2.76 Disagree

Legend: 

__  Top 3 highest mean 

__  Top 3 lowest mean 

The highest indicator, Indicator 12, having a mean of 3.84, indicates that the students
strongly support movements about enriching or supporting farming and the lives of the farmers. 
The second highest indicator, Indicator 5, having a mean of 3.74, indicates students agree and are
aware of the farmers and they appreciate the effort of the farmers. Another indicator, Indicator 9,
having the same mean of 3.74, indicates that students agree that addressing the actual problems
and needs of rice can help the farmers in enhancing agricultural productivity. The third highest
indicator, Indicator 1, having a mean of 3.69, indicates that respondents have agreed that students
should have the basic knowledge about agriculture (e.g the life of the farmers and the source of
the food supply). This manifests the review related literature of this research. This just proves
that students are aware and strongly support the farmers when it comes to addressing their
problems. According to Smith & Sutton (2009), an agriculturally aware community can foster
positive agricultural perceptions within a student.

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  On the other hand, the lowest indicator, Indicator 11, having a mean of 1.28, indicates
that students strongly disagree that they have heard about farmers but haven’t seen them
physically doing their job. Smaller cities are rich in nature that makes them involved and
knowledgeable towards agriculture (Frick et al. 1995).

The second lowest indicator, Indicator 10, having a mean of 1.53, indicates that students
strongly disagree that farmers are not the front liners of the country. The third lowest indicator,
Indicator 4, having a mean of 1.57, indicates that students strongly disagree that it is just fair that
the businessman or seller has higher profit than the farmer who works hard for it. Indicators 10
and 4 shows that students are aware of the farmers and acknowledges them as someone
important for the country.

  As shown in table 1, having a grand mean of 2.76 with a verbal interpretation of

Disagree. That tells us that the students are aware of the farmers. From the result of each
indicator, that tells us that students care and support for the well-being of the farmers. Despite
that the grand mean of the table is 2.76, with a verbal interpretation of Disagree, this also tells us
that students do not have the deeper knowledge of agriculture or the farmers. The students may
see them passing by but that does not mean that they know deeply enough about agriculture. The
study of Keesha, Brian and Pamala (2014) reported that students are much more engaged in
computer science and modern technologies. Leaving agricultural science, which not only feeds
the world, also comes up with medical solutions.

In Table 1, the highest indicator, Indicator 12, tells us that most of the respondents
answered Agree, which means that students strongly support movements about enriching or
supporting farming and the lives of the farmers. For the past decades, throughout history, farmers
have produced sufficient food for us to eat, as they have produced food for us they are struggling
in making ends meet for themselves. Helping these farmers grow more food and raise more
money from their produce is a vital way to combat hunger and poverty. As stated by Smith &
Sutton (2009), an agriculturally aware community can foster positive agricultural perceptions
within a student. Agriculture affects consumers all over the world. Improved knowledge and
awareness of the industry in young adults will ultimately help determine the future of the
industry (Burris, 2013). This just proves that students are aware and care about the well beings
towards farmers to improve their quality of life.

The research-based project that can be made to address the problematic or negative
perception of the students is to post more information on social media, through infographics and
showing informational videos about farmers. Given that students are on social media most of the
time this can come as an opportunity when an infographic or informational video passes by their
feed, this can add information about farmers and agriculture to them. An additional insight about

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the happenings or events of the farmers.  As the researcher, the research-based project that is
proposed is effective due to these following reasons:

(1) Infographic and informational videos are posted on different social media platforms as this
will last for a lifetime compared to webinars as it will only be seen for a day or an hour.

(2) Different social media platforms are a way to easily disseminate information through sharing
repeatedly, mentioning friends and reposting to their page. Though the project will not reach to
the farmers since not all of them have the privilege to have online access but researchers are
aiming to their children that will be able to reach that information to their parents (farmers).

(3) Based on the researcher’s experiences, if the researchers would opt to have webinars or
online seminars people would have the difficulty to attend and most of them will not attend at all
due to circumstances such as unstable internet connection, laziness, time consuming and etc. If
they will be attending it is either they will not be listening or not participating.

Conclusion

This study concludes that Grade 12 STEM Students from La Salle University Integrated School
Ozamiz City are aware and support the farmers. It is very evident that the students are aware of
the circumstances that the farmers are facing but they are not active enough to take action based
on the data gathered. Despite the rumors spread throughout the country, the students still believe,
support, and acknowledge the hard works of the farmers. In the belief of the researchers, the
students’ support and knowledge about farmers are not enough, these must be converted into
actions to see change through the research-based project. For the strongest form of support is
action not mere words.

Recommendations

Based on the findings and conclusion of the study, the researchers would like to give research-
based recommendations to the following groups of beneficiaries: 

Farmers

o The farmers may address their concern through their children who have online
access to post their concerns on social media platforms. Everybody can be a
source of information, might as well share or produce information for it will
benefit both of you, you can give addition or new information to others on the
other hand they can help you address problems. 

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Grade 12 STEM Students & Youth of Future Generation

o The students may not only support them verbally but also put into action through
the help of the research-based project. 

Future Researchers 

o The factors that affect people’s views on our Agricultural producers: Parental,
Social and Political Influence 
o Researchers with the same interest and would be doing similar studies should
widen their participants for better results.
o The relationship of age and gender to the perceived level of support towards
Filipino farmers. 

References

Page 13
 As stated in the Agriculture Goods. (2020). Agriculture plays an important job in the
entire community of a given economy. Retrieved from https://agriculturegoods.com/why-is-
agriculture- important/
Bandura, A. (1977). Social learning theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Retrieved from https://www.simplypsychology.org/bandura.html

Bandura, A. (1977). Social Learning Theory. New York: General Learning Press.

Retrieved from https://www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/social-learning/

Boleman, C. T., & Burrell, F., Jr. (2003). Agricultural science fairs: Are students truly
learning from this activity? Journal of Extension  [On-line], 41(3), Article 3RIB4. Available
at: http://www.joe.org/joe/2003june/rb4.php

Burris, M. (2013). A Study To Determine The Agricultural Perceptions Of High School

Students For The “I Love Farmers…They Feed My Soul!” Organization. Retrieved from
https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?
referer=https://www.google.com/&httpsredir=1&article=2054&context=theses

Culatta, R. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/social-

learning/
Frick, M. J., Birkenholz, R. J., & Machtmes, K. (1995). Rural and urban adult knowledge
and perceptions of agriculture. Journal of Agricultural Education, 36(2), 44-53.

Henry, K, Talbert, B , and Morris, P.(2014). Agricultural Education in an Urban Charter

School: Perspectives and Challenges. Retrieved from
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1122353.pdf 

Holz-Clause, M., & Jost, M. (1995). Using focus groups to check youth perceptions of
agriculture. Journal of Extension  [On-line], 33(3), Article 3FEA3. Available
at: http://www.joe.org/joe/1995june/a3.php

Smith, E., Park, T., & Sutton, M. (2009). High school students' perceptions and
knowledge about agriculture based upon location of the high school. NACTA
Journal, 53(3), 17-23. Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/214373322?
accountid=149218

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 Research Questionnaire
Name (optional):
Section :
Age:
Perceived Level of Support Among Grade 12 STEM Students towards Filipino Farmers

Directions: Please reflect on each item carefully and place a check on the box of your response.
Please answer the survey with utmost honesty to have quality and valid data.
4 - Strongly agree 3 - Agree 2 - Disagree 1 - Strongly disagree

Statements Responses

4 3 2 1

1. Students should have basic knowledge about agriculture (e.g., the

life of the farmers and the source of the food supply).

2. I believe that there are a lot of farmers around the world who are
old and poor.

3. I feel disappointed on how farmer throw their crops just because

it is bought at the lowest price.

4. It is just fair that the businessman or seller has a higher profit

than the farmers who work hard for it.

5. I am well-aware of how farming is done, and I appreciate the

effort of our farmers.

6. I know about farming through social media and books, but I have
never experienced it first-hand.

7. I joined virtual/physical protests in support of our dear farmers

who are treated poorly.

Page 15
8. I ignore how the government treats the farmers poorly like not
even crafting laws to protect farmlands and farmworkers.

9. I agree that addressing the actual problems and needs of rice can
help the farmers in enhancing agricultural productivity.

10. I believe that farmers are not the frontliners of the country.

11. I have heard about farmers, but I have not seen them physically
doing their job.

12. I strongly support movements about enriching or supporting

farming and the lives of the farmers.

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