Agri chief pushes for programs to “build the youth” for the future

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. urged young Bicolanos to take advantage of various government initiatives seeking to promote the agro-fishery sector, calling them a “critical” component in the national goal of producing more food and modernizing the farm sector.

The Department of Agriculture, under the leadership of Sec. Tiu Laurel has set up a menu of services in aid of the food security agenda of the Marcos government to prepare and equip young Filipinos in various agri-fishery endeavors.

In his message during the 2nd Metro Naga Young Leaders Forum, the agri chief highlighted the importance of the youth in the food production sector.

“You are the hope of our nation. Thus, it is our duty and legacy to prepare you, to empower you for the future,” Sec. Tiu Laurel said.

According to him, the forum themed: Building bridges, igniting change: Youth Leadership for inclusive and Sustainable Metro Naga is very much attuned to the goals of the Department of Agriculture towards achieving food security for the Filipino and developing the agri-fishery sector as a profitable industry.

To entice more young people to venture in the business of agriculture, DA has launched the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC), which offers financial grants to young Filipinos eager to engage in new agri-fishery enterprises. YFC, which kicked off in 2021, is being undertaken with support from the Office of Senator Imee Marcos.

“It has provided a total of P15.37 million financial grants to YFC beneficiaries in Bicol from 2021 to 2023,” Sec. Tiu Laurel said.

To date, there are about 182 enterprises in Bicol managed by 230 young farmers that are being funded by the DA-YFC Program. They are also being assisted in product promotion and technical assistance in their registration with the Food and Drug Administration.

Sec. Tiu Laurel said another initiative is the Youth Internship Program on Organic Agriculture funded by the National Organic Agriculture Program and implemented by the Agricultural Training Institute. The 9-month program started last year and involves internship with a farm partner, preferably with a learning site for agriculture. A total 145 youth participants have been