Caraga Youth Congress empowers next generation of agri leaders, advances food security efforts
Participants from across Caraga attend the DUYOG: 1st Caraga Agri-Fishery Youth Congress in Butuan City, equipping themselves with knowledge and skills in leadership, agribusiness, and innovation to become the next generation of farmers, fishers, and agripreneurs, supporting the government’s goal of creating a future where no child goes hungry. (Photo courtesy of DA Caraga)
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Young leaders from across Caraga are taking a greater role in transforming the agriculture and fisheries sector through the DUYOG: 1st Caraga Agri-Fishery Youth Congress, supporting the government’s vision of creating a future where no child goes hungry by preparing the next generation of farmers, fishers, and agripreneurs to help strengthen the country’s food security.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga, through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), in partnership with the Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council (RAFC) and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Caraga, convened representatives from the 4H Club, Caraga Young Agripreneurs, and Young Farmers Challenge during the three-day congress that opened on July 6 in Butuan City.
The congress also marked the launch of the Caraga Regional Agri-Fishery Youth Network, a platform designed to foster collaboration among young agricultural leaders, amplify their voices in policy discussions, and encourage active participation in agricultural planning, innovation, and program implementation across the region.
“We want to unite all young people engaged in agriculture so we can strengthen the youth’s voice in the formulation of plans and policies for the agriculture sector,” said Juveriel D. Tenio, overall chairperson of the DUYOG Congress.
Highlighting the importance of sustained youth representation in the sector, Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council (RAFC) Caraga Chairperson Christopher H. Lindo said that the region has already established a sectoral committee on youth in agriculture under the regional council.
“Here in Caraga, we already have a Sectoral Committee on Youth in Agriculture under the RAFC. We will also work to establish similar committees at the provincial and municipal levels so that more young people can actively participate in shaping the future of agriculture,” Lindo said.
In a message delivered by DA Caraga Regional Executive Director Ricardo M. Oñate Jr. on behalf of DA Undersecretary Roger Navarro, the Department emphasized that the youth are indispensable partners in building a resilient and prosperous agriculture sector.
“The youth are the key to a resilient and prosperous future. I encourage you to take advantage of the government’s agriculture and fisheries programs to develop your skills and expand the opportunities available to you,” Navarro said.
Participants also attended learning sessions on agribusiness, leadership, innovation, and government support programs, equipping them with knowledge and practical skills to improve productivity, develop sustainable enterprises, and generate livelihood opportunities in their communities.
The congress is expected to produce long-term gains for both the youth and the agriculture sector by cultivating a new generation of capable agricultural leaders, strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship, and encouraging greater participation in agricultural governance. These efforts are expected to enhance Caraga’s agricultural productivity, improve farmers’ competitiveness, create more rural employment opportunities, and help ensure a stable and nutritious food supply for Filipino families.
The initiative complements the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s thrust to modernize Philippine agriculture, empower the youth, and achieve lasting food security through stronger collaboration among government, stakeholders, and the next generation of agricultural leaders. By investing in young farmers, fishers, and agripreneurs today, the government moves closer to its shared vision of creating a future where no child goes hungry. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte with a report from DA Caraga)
