BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-CAR) hosted the Regional Awarding Ceremony for the FY2024 Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Program on February 28, 2025, at the DA-CAR Old Conference Hall in Guisad, Baguio City. The event celebrated the accomplishments of young farmers in both the Provincial Start-up and Regional Upscale categories. It was a significant occasion that recognized the efforts of young individuals who are making a mark in the agricultural sector.
A total of 20 YFC provincial awardees were recognized during the ceremony for their dedication and ingenuity in developing agricultural ventures. The DA-CAR recognized their passion and hard work in building promising business model canvasses, each contributing to their local communities. Each awardee received a PHP 80,000 cheque as a start-up grant.
Of the provincial awardees, seven were from Ifugao followed by Kalinga, Benguet and Mt. Province with three, Apayao with 2, and Baguio City with one (group) awardee. They are Lindsay Monique Galla and Christine Joy Crisologo (RiSeedling) from Apayao; Elvin K. Poski (Vin Food Products), Glency T. Tino (Glen-C Food Products), and Le-an T. Anuyan (FiTea Hierba) from Benguet; Jovymae L. Aclib (M-A-J Farm), Noey Kimson N. Binwag (NNB Poultry Farm), Zeinedeshan D. Bitog and Judith B. Udan (Terrace Treats Enterprise), Bismark D. Dominong (MMA Egg Supply), Delmalyn M. Hangdaan (Hangway Fresh Eggs Production Farm), and Rudy B. Pedro (PR Chicken: Egg Production) from Ifugao; Adelfa Lorraine W. Balingue (Maabundance Agriventure Farm), Janet B. Magadang (Bean Bites), Jharvic B. Dalsen (JD Tilapia Haven), Mara W. Banggawan (Hapa-Based Tilapia Pond Hatchery), and John Lloyd B. Bangibang (Lloyda’s Goat Production) from Kalinga; and Celso P. Dasing (Insong Food Products), Rosemarie D. Lay-os (Berrylicious: Berry Farm & Nursery), and Harold Kim S. Samdao (Gagayam Apiculture, specializing in beekeeping products and pollination services) from Mountain Province. Baguio City also has one awardee composed of a group of young farmers (Yummetaste) namely: Christian Dale Cuyo, Ethan A. Degala, Reyner K. Mang-osan, and Jeffrey Paul T. Suanding
These young farmers are into producing and/or processing of vegetables, spices, cereals, fruits, poultry, fisheries, and nuts, among others.
Moreover, three Regional Upscale awardees were awarded for their success in scaling up their enterprises, bringing them to the next level. They are Lovy T. Trinidad, owner of the Rasawan Ulang Aqua Farm in Pudtol, Apayao, has made strides in fisheries and aquaculture. Raymark L. Manawas, who operates the Paingan Integrated Farm in Sagada, Mountain Province, focuses on farm inputs. Meanwhile, Jomarie M. Mangeg of MAFAMCI Agri Products, OPC, in Benguet, has expanded into fruit and nut production.
These awardees exemplified growth and expansion, demonstrating that with the right support and determination, young farmers can achieve great success in the agricultural sector. They received PhP300,000 as a grant for the regional upscale category.
Engr. Danilo P. Daguio, Regional Technical Director for Operations, highlighted the importance of young farmers in developing the agricultural landscape in the Cordillera region. His message emphasized how the program is helping to nurture a new generation of leaders ready to take on the challenges of modern agriculture.
Moreover, Engr. Anne Glyn F. Lisbo, Chief of the Agricultural Marketing Assistance Service-Agribusiness and Investment Promotion Division, inspired the awardees by urging them to embrace sustainable farming practices and continue innovating in their respective fields. She also reaffirmed the DA’s commitment to helping young farmers succeed, offering continuous support and resources to ensure they thrive in their agricultural endeavors.
Jocelyn W. Beray, Officer-in-Charge of the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division, meanwhile, noted that the YFC Program has been instrumental in supporting young farmers by providing them with resources, training, and opportunities for growth. The program has empowered youth to venture into agriculture with innovative ideas, fostering a sustainable future for farming in the region. The YFC program offers a platform for these young entrepreneurs to grow, intending to make agriculture not only a profession but also a thriving business.
The ceremony concluded with a response from Ms. Mangeg, one of the Upscale Awardees, who expressed her gratitude for the recognition. She shared her journey and the challenges she faced along the way, encouraging fellow young farmers to keep pushing forward.
The Regional Awarding Ceremony was a resounding success, showcasing the innovation and dedication of young farmers in the Cordillera region. The YFC Program remains a vital platform for supporting the youth in agriculture, and its continued success will ensure that young farmers in the region are equipped to lead the way toward a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural future. By JADF
