Art has no boundaries, it is a form of expression for all ages. With this in mind the Department of Agriculture– Cordillera organized a Young Farmers On-the-Spot poster-making contest for ages 18 to 25-years-old. This gave the participants the opportunity to express, through art, their own understanding of the theme “Makabagong Magsasaka at Mangingisda, Susi sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas”. The contest aims to recognize the important role of farmers and fisherfolks, while informing the youth about the challenges and opportunities in agriculture and fisheries. It encourages involvement through creative expression inspiring new ideas for a sustainable future. As well as to promote the justly earned appreciation for agriculture workers.
All four of the participants had equal amounts of time to finish their pieces but among who finished first was Patrizia Agcaoili. Like the others, she is a child of a farmer, giving her a deeper understanding of the hard work that is done.
Through her piece, she wanted to highlight that, “Farming is a very under looked profession, especially nowadays a community that highlights technology or new modern eras but at the base of the heart of our community comes food, farming, and agriculture. So, I do think that it’s important to join these communities– these activities to have a better grasp and turn back to our basics”, she exclaims. As she also encourages the people of her generation to take time off their gadgets and get working with their hands.
The following day, during the culminating activity, the winners of the contest were announced. Taking home the three-thousand pesos prize was Huldah Nissi Lopez, 25 years-old. Humbly accepting her win, she said, “I feel so grateful and thankful to God because He gave this opportunity to showcase my talents, even though ilang years na akong hindi nag draw-drawing and nagcocoloring through pastel, is natapos naman ito victoriously. I bring back the glory to God and thank you din sa mga nagshare ng information na to’ sa GC (group chat) namin. Thankful ako kay ma’am kasi kahit last minute, nakasama parin ako,” she says with full of gratitude. Her artwork was inspired by modern-day life use of technology. She believes that if the agri workers lean toward technological advancement, “Agriculture should catch up para maka produce ng marami and can feed more in the Philippines.”
Despite having different perspectives on modern farming and technology, both women share a common goal: spreading awareness, inspiring improvement, and promoting appreciation for agriculture. Their artworks, along with the others. Remain with the DA to be displayed– serving as a constant reminder to the people and staff that agriculture goes beyond generations, and the knowledge is not limited by age. By Meann Henderson
