Demand and supply study of forestry education of the baccalaureate level in the Philippines

The study was conducted to assess the general status and opportunities for forestry graduates in the country. Three types of respondents were involved int he study: the heads of the academic institutions involved in forestry education programs, potential and existing employers and the forestry graduates. There were 17 forestry schools out of 52 existing state colleges and universities offering Bachelor of Science in Forestry program in the country, 48 forestry employer-respondents, from government agencies, academic institutions, private institutions, local government units and non-government organizations, and 565 graduate-respondents (batch 1962 to 2005) participated in the survey. Based on the 17 respondents-forestry schools, a total of 3,656 graduates were produced for the last ten years (an average of 366 graduates per year) which was just 10 percent of the total enrollment. From these graduates, only 55.6 percent became forestry professionals. The study also revealed that generally there is very little demand for forestry graduates at the private and government sectors at the present time and in the future. Although there is a need to rehabilitate the remaining forests which would imply the need for additional forestry graduates, however, the unstable economic conditions which led to the rationalization of government programs affect the hiring of additional manpower. The study showed that the country is producing more forestry graduates with little demand for them. Among the competencies and skills required of a forestry graduates are: skills in the formulation and implementation of forest policies, laws and regulations, establishing and maintaining interpersonal and institutional relationships, and, the establishment and management of forest resource using appropriate technologies. The results of these surveys can b e used in improving the curricular programs of forestry in the country. Finally, in relation to the career path of forestry graduates, the study revealed that most of the 565 graduate-respondents were employed with permanent and regular status with only less than half on contractual or casual basis. However, most of those who have permanent or regular status are already working in the institution for about 15 to 25 years, and most newly hired, project-based or contractual employees are the relatively new forestry professionals.