26/07/2026
🌿🇺🇸 Fulbright Teacher Exchange Scholars Explore Agricultural Learning and Cultural Heritage at RAROFS
July 21, 2026
Ramon Adriano R. Orozco Farm School (RAROFS) welcomed a delegation of Fulbright Program Teacher Exchanges TGC Scholars from the United States of America for an educational tour and cultural immersion activity, providing the visitors with firsthand experiences in agriculture education and innovative classroom instruction.
The visit was facilitated through the Schools Division Office of Passi City and spearheaded by Mr. Reymund P. Lara, Teacher III of Talongonan Elementary School and the first and only Passinhon scholar of the prestigious Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program in the United States.
The visiting scholars were Kimberly Broman of Washington Elementary School in Cloquet, Minnesota; Johna Meldau of Global Village Project in Decatur, Georgia; Kajal Kalyan of Redwood Cooperative School in Lexington, Kentucky; and Dara Doss, Program Officer of the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX).
To ensure a meaningful and immersive experience, RAROFS prepared a series of learning activities highlighting its agricultural program and instructional practices. Upon their arrival, the American scholars were brought to the RAROFS PATUBAS Learning Site, where they participated in a traditional “Pagtanom ka Paray” or rice-transplanting activity alongside a team led by Mr. Bryan P. Palmares and Grade 10 learners.
The hands-on activity provided the visitors with valuable insights into local farming traditions and the role of experiential learning in agricultural education. The scholars joined students in planting rice seedlings, allowing them to better appreciate the significance of agriculture in the community and the school's commitment to preserving local farming practices.
Following the field immersion, the delegation toured several RAROFS Learning Stations, where they observed demonstrations on soil media preparation, marcotting, and vermicomposting using African Night Crawlers (ANC). The learning stations showcased practical agricultural technologies and sustainable farming techniques integrated into the school's curriculum.
The educational tour also included a classroom observation in Ma’am Tracy’s Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) Grade 7 class, where the visitors witnessed the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in classroom instruction. The demonstration highlighted how digital tools can enhance student engagement and learning outcomes while complementing technical and vocational education.
Throughout the visit, the Fulbright scholars expressed admiration for the school's innovative learning environment, hands-on agricultural programs, and the warm hospitality extended by the RAROFS community. They noted that the experience provided a unique perspective on the integration of agriculture, culture, and education within the Philippine school setting.
The visit marked a significant milestone for RAROFS as it became the first time the school hosted a group of American scholars for a farm educational tour and classroom observation. School officials said the activity created opportunities for teachers and students to engage in meaningful cross-cultural exchanges and expand their global perspectives.
Moreover, the event strengthened RAROFS’ continuing efforts to promote itself as a leading Learning Site for Agriculture in the region. By opening its doors to international educators and showcasing its best practices, the school further demonstrated its commitment to quality agricultural education, innovation, and global collaboration.
As the delegation concluded its visit, both the scholars and the RAROFS community shared a renewed appreciation for the value of educational partnerships that bridge cultures, foster professional learning, and celebrate the shared goal of empowering learners through relevant and transformative education.
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