Baguio: Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the pivotal role that young Filipinos play in modernizing and sustaining the nation's agricultural sector. In a speech delivered by Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra at the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) awards ceremony held at the Baguio Convention Center, Laurel highlighted the program's success in infusing fresh ideas and energy into farming.

According to Philippines News Agency, the YFC program, now in its fifth year, has expanded to include 'Scale-Up' and 'Intercollegiate' categories. Participants from various parts of the country are engaged in developing innovative agribusiness concepts. Laurel noted that numerous projects have benefited not just individual participants, but also their families and local communities, underscoring the program's impact on local development.

Laurel encouraged those who did not win to persist, assuring that the Department of Agriculture would continue to support their efforts. Undersecretary Cherry Marie Natividad-Caballero also addressed the participants, highlighting how many projects offered creative and practical solutions to local agricultural challenges. She mentioned an initiative from the Cordillera region that has been adopted nationally by the DA through the 'Gulayang Bayan' program.

Natividad-Caballero emphasized that the YFC is reshaping perceptions of farming among the youth, turning it into a meaningful and viable livelihood option. Since its inception, the program has supported over 4,300 young farmers across the nation. This year's national finals saw 64 competitors with proposals aimed at enhancing food production and local economic growth.