Tuguegarao City, Cagayan – April 10, 2025 — The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 02 (DA RFO 02), through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), awarded over Php 4.8 million to young farmers in Cagayan Valley during the Provincial and Regional Awarding of the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Program held at Robinsons Place Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

A total of 33 YFC Start-up Provincial awardees received Php 80,000.00 each, amounting to a total grant of Php 2,640,000.00.

At the regional level, 7 Start-up awardees were given Php 150,000.00 each, while 3 Upscale awardees received Php 300,000.00 each to expand their existing enterprises. The winner for the Intercollegiate category received Php 250,000.00, resulting in a total regional grant of Php 2,200,000.00.

Ms. Maria Rosario Paccarangan, Chief of AMAD, stressed that the vibrant Young Farmers Challenge awardees represent the future of Philippine agriculture.

“You are proof that with passion, creativity, and perseverance, even the smallest seed of an idea can grow into something truly remarkable,” she added.

Meanwhile, in a message delivered by RTD for Research and Extension Ms. Kay Olivas, Regional Executive Director Dr. Rose Mary G. Aquino emphasized that agriculture is not just an industry—it is a lifeline. It is woven into every plate on every Filipino table, every community we nourish, and every child we raise.

RED Aquino also shared an inspiring message with the YFC awardees.

“Sa Young Farmers Challenge, mula 2021, we’ve lit a fire in the hearts of youth who choose to farm, to innovate, and to make a change—upang makita nila ang sakahan bilang larangan ng tagumpay, at hindi kahirapan,” she stated.

She added that the success of the 37 YFC enterprise awardees is not only their personal victory, but also a triumph for their families, communities, and the agriculture sector as a whole.

In her closing message, RTD Olivas posed a challenge to all stakeholders:

“We challenge you to put into further action what we had gained today, pag-uukulan po natin ng masusing paraan at action kung ano pa ang dapat at natitirang gawin natin dahil what is most important is that for you to nurture and sustain the gains that you received today in order that you will reap the future benefits and impacts of these,” she said.

She also encouraged the awardees to inspire other youth and share the benefits of being a YFC beneficiary.

“This will not become istorbo sa buhay estudyante or buhay teenager. Gawing hobby and business.

” This event marks another significant milestone for the awardees as they pursue agricultural innovation with the support of the Department of Agriculture, which continues to support the progress of every enterprise. –

Via Jackilou Tumaliuan

Photos: Erwin C. Cachero