CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--To encourage the youth to pursue agriculture, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office (DA-RFO)-10 recognizes its Regional Winners for the Young Farmers Challenge Fund (YFCF): Kabataang Agribiz Competitive Grant Assistance Program, December 13, here.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado led the awarding of the three regional winners who each received P150,000 and a certificate of recognition with Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga.

The three regional winners include Andre Paulo O. Paraguya (Impasugong, Bukidnon) – Bottled Fresh Milk Processing and Marketing; Gretchen G. Raiz (Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental) – Cacao Processing (Tablea and Cacao Spread); and Daryl Ann M. Gonzales (Malaybalay City, Bukidnon) – Agro-Tourism Venture through Farm Diversification.

“It is the utmost desire of DA to encourage more youth to participate in the development of the agriculture sector,” shared Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar, in a video message, extending his wishes for their success in their respective endeavors.

Meanwhile, Collado stressed the great need to encourage the youth to engage in crop production to ensure the country’s food security.

“Your voice and engagement in agriculture can help us introduce to more youth the potential of agriculture and what it can offer in providing solutions to poverty, by growing enough food to feed the populace,” he added.

Daryl Ann M. Gonzales, one of the shortlisted candidates for the national level competition is thankful to DA for said program and expressed, "Meron talagang pera sa agriculture. Sana meron pang YFCF version 2.0 para marami pang kabataan ang matulungan nitong proyekto (There is really money in agriculture. I hope that there will be YFCF version 2.0 so more youth will be aided with this project)." (DA-10/PIA-10)