BAGUIO CITY – Twenty-four new agribusiness enterprises were recognized during the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Start-up (Open Category) provincial awarding in a continuous bid in empowering young farmers and fisherfolk to be active partners in food security and agricultural development and modernization. This was held recently at Baguio City in the Department of Agriculture–Cordillera (DA-CAR) office.
Spearheaded by the DA-Agribusiness Marketing and Development Service (AMAS) and its regional counterparts, the YFC Program is a part of the Department’s thrust under Section 17 of the RA 8435, also known as the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997 to formulate programs for the rural youth to engage in agriculture.
There are 1 awardee from Abra, 2 from Apayao, 2 from Baguio City, 6 from Benguet, 6 from Kalinga, 3 from Ifugao, and 4 from Mt. Province.
The provincial awardees will receive PhP80,000 cash as start-up capital to finance their business model canvas (BMC). From the 24 best model canvases, 7 winners will be chosen as the best implementers during the Regional Level competition, for which they will be awarded a PhP150,000 grant. Additionally, they will represent the region at the national level and will have a chance to be included in the top 12 outstanding youth awardees and will receive a PhP300,000 financial grant.
The provincial winners mostly came from the indigenous people and women sectors. 9 enterprises are on processing, and 14 are focused on production.
The Start-up Open category is conducted yearly, open to all 18-30 years old who are interested in starting their own agri-fishery enterprise with profitability potential. The grant to be received shall serve as start-up capital for the proposed agri-fishery enterprise operated by either an individual or a joint venture of two or more youth.
In his opening remarks, DA-CAR Regional Technical Director for Operations Danilo P. Daguio congratulated the awardees and likewise encouraged them to continue their agricultural endeavors as he mentioned the successes of previous awardees, “We hope that you will continue to be engaged in agriculture activities because agriculture is for everybody. Regardless of your background or educational qualifications in agriculture, you can actively contribute. Everyone plays a role in agriculture, from those involved in production to the end consumer, bringing the journey from production to the table, everybody is involved,” he added that the awardees should share their knowledge with other farmers as Daguio mentioned a story about a corn farmer sharing his good-quality seeds with his community.
DA Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban also delivered his well-wishes to the awardees, stating that the program advances the goal of the President in securing a greener, more food-secure future for the people by supporting and encouraging the entrepreneurial talent of the Filipino youth. “The YFC program prepares our best and brightest to assume the responsibilities as leaders and innovators in the farm and the fisheries sector. Therefore, we are pleased to extend our congratulations to the program’s current batch of provincial-level awardees. I am competent that each of you will in the fullness of time and within the guidance of your training–make valuable and lasting contributions to the sectors, to your communities, and the nation,” Panganiban stated.
Senator Imee R. Marcos also expressed her delight for the youth for their continuous interest in agriculture, “Patuloy kong sinusuportahan ang programang ito (YFC) bilang personal na adbokasiya sa paniniwalang ang paglago ng ating agrikultura ay nasa kamay na ng bagong henerasyon ng mga inspirado, mapag-imbeto, at masisipag na magsasaka. Ipagmalaki ang pagiging Kabataang magsasaka,” I continue to support this program (YFC) as a personal advocacy in believing that the development of agriculture is in the hands of the new generation who are inspired, innovative, and diligent farmers. Be proud of being a young farmer, she expressed.
Further, AMAD chief Joan D. Bacbac challenged the awardees to target the regional and national level by further improving their BMCs, “Do not stop with what you have accomplished today, set your sights beyond just the 7th place aim for the coveted top spot. This is also a challenge to you to dominate all 7 spots among the 12 at the national level. There are a lot of opportunities for you. Additionally, we already have the Upscaling competition. You will be pitching the same BMCs. So exert all your effort in improving your BMCs,” she advised and added to apply for Department of Trade and Industry accreditation, especially those who are focused on processing.
In response, Terence John Aguinaldo from Apayao expressed his gratitude to DA-CAR for assisting the awardees through their YFC journey and hopes that their enterprises be of help to the community, “We will also serve as role models to other youth to engage in agriculture and youth who aspires to be agripreneurs,” he said.
The regional competition will be conducted in October 2023. By CEWaytan