To usher back the youth to agriculture, and engage them in activities and processes related to farming and fishing, the Department of Agriculture (DA) created a nation-wide Search for the Outstanding Kabataang Agribiz Competitive Business Model under the Young Farmers Challenge Fund (YFCF).
This quest is also aimed at providing the youth access to resources and opportunities for them to venture into profitable agri-fishery based enterprise model to showcase the viability potential and sustainable ventures alternative to urban-based job employment.
With the active participation of youth in Davao Oriental, the Provincial Government, through the Provincial Agriculture Office, conducted an awarding ceremony on September 30, dubbed as “Pagkilala sa Galing ng Kabataang Oryental Dabawenyo sa Larangan ng Agrikultura” to honor and pay tribute to the contributions of youth in the province in the agri-fishery enterprises.
“The main objective of this event is to encourage and motivate the young Oryental Dabawenyos to go back into farming, and so we want to ensure that we give them assistance every step of the way,” Acting Provincial Agriculturist Rotchie M. Ravelo said in his message.
He also bluffed the notion against being an agriculturist by saying, “May pera sa agrikultura.”
FARM WORKERS DECLINING
In the Philippines, the DA said the majority of the youth are no longer interested in agriculture. The average age of farmers as of 2018 is 57 years old.
In this view, the DA developed the Agribiz Competitive Business Model Competition to further make agriculture sustainable through the youth’s innovation.
PAGKILALA SA GALING NG KABATAANG ORYENTAL DABAWENYO SA LARANGAN NG AGRIKULTURA
During the Pagkilala, ten (10) youth agri-preneurs were awarded for their planned enterprises focused on crop and livestock, production, fisheries, trading, processing, integrated farming, agricultural technology, and similar endeavours.
Here are the following youth awardees:
(Individual Category)
- Novie C. Silma – (LGU Mati), for his business model “Cardava Production”;
- Nazer M. Lacabo – (LGU Mati), for his business model “Soysauce-To-You for a Living”; and
- Merry April B. Redoble – “Natural Ventilation Augmented Cooling Greenhouse in Strawberry Production”
(Group Category)
- Janelle Dee Mitchao, Jose Joaquin T. Olimpo, Nikki L. Negro, Jo Anna Marie F. Mitchao, Jasiel Joy F. Mitchao – (LGU Banaybanay), “Integrated Rice Duck Farming”
- Reynaldo Archie and Jameco Dayanghirang – “Healthy-Mansi/Anti-COVID 100% Calamansi Juice with Medicinal Flavor”
A cash incentive worth P50,000 was given to each of the enterprises.
The provincial winners will showcase their business model in the regional level where they will get a chance to win P150,000 for their enterprise.
Meanwhile, the PAGRI also turned over livelihood project materials to various communities:
- RIC – Banhawan, Marayag, Lupon
- RIC – Calapagan, Lupon
- RIC – Tagabakid, Mati City
- RIC – San Ignacio, Manay
- 4H – Don Enrique Lopez, Mati City
As the current Provincial Agriculturist bids goodbye to his post to pursue his political endeavour, Ravelo said he is happy and proud to see the youth agri-preneurs engaging into agricultural business ventures.
“Who said agriculture is not instagrammable or flex-worthy? I’d rather look messy with my pockets full than look dashing but broke,” he added.
Ravelo encouraged the youth to take up space, and seize the opportunity handed to them.
“You’re very lucky you have these opportunities we didn’t have when we were your age. The government is doing its best to provide all the support you need so you can succeed in this undertaking,” he also said.
The Pagkilala was Ravelo’s last public appearance as the Acting Provincial Agriculturist of Davao Oriental. He is bound to leave the office on Monday, October 4, as he continues to vie for a seat in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Council as a Second District Board Member.
Also present in the ceremony were Davao Oriental Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang represented by Mr. Jessie John S. Madanlo, Mati City Mayor Michelle N. Rabat represented by Former City Councilor Alan Andrada, Agri-Industry and Entrepreneur Division Head Jane B. Maldo, municipal and city agriculturists, and family members of the awardees. By Shaye N. Dacles | Photos by Mark Alvite
