By Kenneth Marcos 
Early in the morning in Pontevedra, young farmers gathered around a small clearing, watching proudly as new machines were turned over to their community. The excitement was clear—this equipment would help them turn everyday waste into something valuable for their farms and for the environment.
The Capizeño Association of Young Farmers has received a full Composting Facility for Biodegradable Wastes, a project supported by the Department of Agriculture–Western Visayas (DA–RFO VI) and the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM). The facility includes a rotary composter, biomass shredder, compost tea brewer, manual compost siever, and a biodegradable presser. These tools will help the group process kitchen scraps, crop residues, and other biodegradable materials into organic fertilizer.
DA–Region VI Director Dennis Arpia led the turnover, joined by BSWM representatives Farley O. Conde and Engineer Nezle M. Pasunilao. Local agriculture officials from Capiz also guided the project, including Engineer Joaquin Bernardino L. Janabon III and Engineer Ronel Olisco from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist. The young farmers also acknowledged the support of Pontevedra municipal leaders, Agri-Fishery Consultant Jose M. Borres, and Agriculture Undersecretary Ali Atienza.
According to the association, the facility strengthens their community-based composting site in Pontevedra. By producing their own organic fertilizer, farmers can reduce input costs, improve soil health, and lessen dependence on chemical fertilizers. The system also helps manage waste more responsibly at the local level.
Composting has become increasingly important as the country pushes for more sustainable farming practices. Experts say healthy soil improves crop yields, retains water better, and supports long-term productivity—benefits that are especially vital for young farmers who want stable livelihoods in agriculture. The DA has been expanding programs that encourage organic fertilizer production, recognizing its role in cutting farm expenses and building climate-resilient communities.
Members of the youth group said the project gives them motivation to continue promoting agriculture among their peers. They hope the facility will serve as a learning hub where other young farmers can see how organic farming works in practice. Community leaders added that youth involvement is crucial in keeping local agriculture strong, especially as many rural areas face challenges in encouraging the next generation to stay in farming.
As the machines roared to life for the first time, the young farmers shared a sense of hope. For them, this facility is more than a set of equipment—it is a step toward cleaner surroundings, healthier soils, and a future where young people play a larger role in shaping sustainable agriculture in Capiz.
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