The Department of Agriculture is rolling out several programs to entice more young FilipInos go into agriculture.
At the send off of 23 scholars who are leaving for the “Young Filipino Farm Leaders Training in Japan,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the DA is providing resources to allow more young Filipinos to participate in international exchange programs. The goal is to introduce them to new technologies and practices that they will bring back to help modernize Philippine agriculture.
“The Agricultural Training Institute’s Young Filipino Farm Leaders Training Program in Japan underscores the Department’s continuing commitment to advance the skills of our young farmers and showcase their abilities, values, and competencies in the international arena,” said Tiu Laurel, whose skills were sharpened during the many overseas trainings his father sent him to, including Japan, when he was just 17.
A lingering concern on the future of Philippine agriculture is the advanced age of farmers, which average in the mid-50s, and the seeming reluctance of younger Filipinos to till the land or go into fishing.
Sec. Tiu Laurel said President Marcos was clear in his directive to modernize agriculture and encourage young Filipinos to engage in the sector, which provides nearly four in every 10 jobs in the country but only contribute less than one-fifth of gross domestic product.
“By banking on the knowledge, skills, and values of young farmers, especially in their exposure as international exchange interns, we will help usher in a Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas filled with a globally competitive, digitally adept, and climate-resilient agricultural workforce,” he said.
Other projects of the DA aimed at enticing the youth to pursue farming and fishery ventures are:
– ongoing selection for the Youth Internship Program on Organic Agriculture, spearheaded by the DA-National Organic Agriculture Program, in collaboration with the Agricultural Training Institute.
– the Binhi ng Pag-asa Program Launch for 2024, led by ATI in partnership with the Office of Senator Grace Poe, which will also happen this week.
– the DA-Agricultural Credit Policy Council’s continuous implementation of its loan program for young agri-preneurs, through the Kapital Access for Young Agripreneurs Program.
– the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resource’s recent opening of the application for the Fisheries Scholarship Program for the Academic Year 2025-2029.
“In the coming months, the DA will work on more upskilling and resource provision initiatives for the youth across various commodities and subsectors in farming and fisheries,” said Sec. Tiu Laurel. “It is government’s role to bank on the youth, who will act as change agents in the transition to a sustainable and resilient sector,” he added.
The agri chief thanked the Japan Agricultural Exchange Council for all their efforts in this undertaking the program which started in 1986. “Our partnership has thrived in the last 37 years, and I’m sure it will continue to do so for the next 37 years,” he said.
Also during the send off ceremonies for the 23 scholars participating in the 11-month internship in Japan, the three best agribusiness proposals presented by Nelmar Sosas from Davao de Oro on catfish fingerling production, Aimee Basilio of Benguet on weather-resilient seedling production, and Ariel Samillano of Antique on zero-waste farm via vermicomposting were recognized jand each scholar were awarded P150,000 grants to pursue those business proposal.
Sec. Tiu Laurel said the scholars will also be provided by DA, through its Regional Field Offices and other agencies additional support in the form of seeds, fertilizers and machineries after their return from Japan. “We have to adapt what you have learned in Japan,” he said, “We have to ensure your success.”
