Caraga young farmers lead agricultural innovation
By Nora L. Molde
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| Participants and awardees of the 2025 Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) pose for a group photo during the recognition ceremony led by the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga, highlighting the vital role of young agri-entrepreneurs in advancing agricultural innovation, food security, and rural development in the Caraga region. (Photo courtesy of DA Caraga) |
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Young Filipinos are emerging as key drivers of agricultural modernization in Caraga as the Department of Agriculture (DA) in the region recognized 42 young individuals and youth groups for their innovation, entrepreneurship, and commitment to sustainable agriculture during the 2025 Young Farmers Challenge (YFC).
The recognition highlighted the growing role of the youth sector in advancing the national government’s agenda of revitalizing Philippine agriculture, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen food security, modernize farming systems, and encourage agri-entrepreneurship, particularly among young Filipinos.
The awardees were commended for presenting viable and market-oriented agri-based business models in farming, fisheries, and livestock production that contribute to increased productivity, value-adding, and rural economic growth.
“We commend the youth for their creativity and dedication in advancing agriculture. Your innovations are vital in ensuring food security and modernizing our farming systems,” said DA Caraga Regional Executive Director Arlan M. Mangelen, underscoring the strong backing of both the DA Central Office and regional field units in nurturing youth-led agricultural enterprises.
The Young Farmers Challenge is a flagship national program of the Department of Agriculture implemented through its regional offices. It provides young farmers aged 18 to 30 with a platform to develop and present innovative, scalable, and sustainable agri-business proposals. Winners receive cash grants ranging between P80,000 and P300,000, complemented by training, mentoring, coaching, and continuous technical assistance to help them expand their enterprises and become competitive agri-entrepreneurs.
Among the awardees, Anthony M. Buntag, an Upscale Category winner, member of the Casiklan Wheels Farmers Association Inc. (CAWFAI), and founder of Anton’s Coffee Products Processing from Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, shared that the program significantly strengthened his coffee enterprise.
“This program has been a great help to me. It enabled me to improve my coffee enterprise and brought me closer to achieving my dream of running a sustainable and successful agri-business,” Buntag said.
Meanwhile, Maria Joy Santos, a Start-Up category awardee, cited the program’s role in fostering innovation in her poultry venture. “YFC motivated me to innovate. With the guidance and support we received, I can now expand operations and help supply healthy products to our community,” she said.
An Intercollegiate Category awardee from North Eastern Mindanao State University – San Miguel Campus likewise emphasized the importance of youth engagement in agriculture, noting that the competition allowed students to apply modern technologies and develop agri-business solutions responsive to local needs and industry demands.
The Young Farmers Challenge continues to demonstrate the government’s commitment to empowering the youth as partners in nation-building. By investing in young agri-innovators, the program supports inclusive rural development, job generation, and the long-term resilience of the country’s food systems, while inspiring a new generation to view agriculture as a viable, profitable, and future-ready industry. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte, with a report from DA Caraga)
