By Kenneth Marcos 
The future of farming in the Cordillera looked bright on Thursday as young entrepreneurs proudly walked to the stage, holding certificates that marked the start of bigger dreams.
On February 27, the Department of Agriculture–Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-CAR) recognized 30 individual and five group agri-entrepreneurs during the Young Farmers Challenge Batch 2025 Awarding Ceremony held at the agency’s New Conference Hall in Guisad, Baguio City.
The awardees came from different provinces across the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). They were honored for presenting innovative and sustainable agri-fishery business models under the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC), a national program that supports youth-led agricultural enterprises.
The Young Farmers Challenge aims to encourage more Filipinos, especially the youth, to enter agriculture and agribusiness. It provides financial grants, mentoring, and technical support to help young entrepreneurs start, expand, or improve their farm-based businesses. The program is part of the government’s push to modernize agriculture and strengthen food security in the country.
The competition has three categories: Start-Up, Intercollegiate, and Upscale.
Under the Start-Up category at the regional level, the awardees included John Glenn Libag of Bo-oy Food Products from La Trinidad, Benguet; Reymar Omeccas of Harvest and Hatch Farm from Tabuk City, Kalinga; Ryan Rebolledo of Beancharon, also from Tabuk; and Joshua Dao-wan of JD’s Hito Production. Their projects range from value-added food products to fish production and diversified farming systems.
In the Intercollegiate category, students Ezekiel Amolot, Franklin Mark Depnag, and Helianthus Anil Mhyrr Agpuldo, representing Edule Cresens from Benguet State University, were recognized for their innovative campus-based agri-enterprise concept. Their participation highlights how schools and universities play a key role in shaping future agripreneurs.
Meanwhile, under the Upscale category, Anthony Page-et of Binalzig Integrated Farm from Itogon, Benguet and Robert Jan Allan of Shontog Agricultural Farm from La Trinidad, Benguet received awards for successfully expanding and strengthening their existing agricultural ventures.
According to DA-CAR officials, the awardees demonstrated not only strong business ideas but also dedication, creativity, and commitment to sustainable agriculture. These qualities are vital as the country continues to face challenges such as climate change, rising production costs, and the need to increase local food supply.
Agriculture remains a major source of livelihood in the Cordillera region, particularly in highland vegetable farming, livestock, and aquaculture. Programs like the Young Farmers Challenge aim to ensure that farming remains attractive and profitable for the next generation.
By supporting young agri-entrepreneurs, the government hopes to create more jobs in rural areas, improve farmers’ incomes, and build stronger local food systems. For many of the awardees, the recognition is more than just a certificate. It is a stepping stone toward expanding their farms, reaching new markets, and inspiring other young Filipinos to see agriculture as a viable and rewarding career.
As the ceremony ended, one message stood clear: the future of Philippine agriculture depends not only on tradition, but also on the fresh ideas and courage of the youth. With continued support and proper guidance, these young farmers may well lead the way toward a more food-secure and prosperous Cordillera.
Pwersa Balita – Your Trusted Source in Agri News