Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar led the oath-taking of the newly elected Board of Trustees of the Young Farmers Challenge Club of the Philippines, Inc. (YFCI) on June 7 at the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) RDEC Hall.

The YFCI was formed through the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC), a competitive financial grant assistance program, developed by the Department of Agriculture through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS) and supported by Senator Imee Marcos last year, for the youth who will engage in new agri-fishery enterprises.

“This YFC will be a continuing program, and hopefully, I believe this can be institutionalized para mas marami pa ang mahikayat, maimbita, at maengganyo na sumama dito sa ating programa,” Secretary Dar said.

The Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) accredited the YFCI on May 18, 2022. It shall serve as a community platform, policy advocacy center, and capacity-building information and knowledge hub to promote the welfare of Filipino young farmers. It aims to empower the members of promoting equitable prosperity, sustainable food systems, climate change resilient agriculture.

“This club that has been put-up is an important part of DA in many ways, particularly in product development and innovation, and linking farmers and fishers to the market,” the agri chief said, adding that the club will provide opportunities for the youth to showcase their products not only in the Philippines but also to the world.

Secretary Dar also stressed that the country needs more young people to transform Philippine agriculture, especially now that there is a looming problem affecting the national food security.

“You are making agriculture sexy and full by using ‘disruptive’ technologies that is critical in upping the game in terms of productivity,” the secretary said.

He added that DA is now working its partnership with the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to develop digital and precision agriculture in a big way.

Secretary Dar also declared YFCI as “Ambassadors of Agriculture” in their respective regions. He urged them to be ‘infomediaries’ by being the messenger of truth, and informing the public on the various programs of the Department.

The trustees are composed of the 16 YFCI Regional Presidents:

·         National Capital Region – Eldrin T. Lee, Nama Microgreens

·         Cordillera Administrative Region – Nick T. Loque, Dontog Hydroponics

·         Ilocos Region – Marvin R. Drapeza, Drapeza’s Agricultural Enterprise

·         Cagayan Valley – Jerry Mar Rafael, 3R’s Zero Waste Project

·         Central Luzon – Elvin Jerome Laceda, SAKAHON

·         CALABARZON – Lawrence Vincent A. Apostol, Sadiwa Aquaculture Farm

·         MIMAROPA – Jessa Baliguat, Beloved Farm- Go Green Hydroponics

·         Bicol Region – Sandino Guinto, Bahay Teknik Product Development Services Inc.

·         Western Visayas – John B. Ituralde, Jr., AniJuan

·         Central Visayas – Ronald Paron, Emak Sinamak Spiced Vinegar

·         Eastern Visayas – Mark T. Durotan, Bahay Kubo Farm Depot

·         Zamboanga Peninsula – Christine Clare Arcenal-Piloton, Herbio Agrinature

·         Northern Mindanao – Daryl Ann Gonzales, Agro-Tourism through farm Diversification

·         Davao Region – Lendilou F. Loon, Increasing Specialty Coffee Production

·         SOCCSKSARGEN – John Paul Alcanzarin Cabangal

·         Caraga – Armando Caballero, Jr., Egg Production Using Rhode Island

(Kristel Joyce Merle, DA-AFID)