By Kenneth Marcos 
In a packed hall in Quezon City, proud families watched as young farmers—many of whom once struggled to find opportunities—walked across the stage to receive their certificates. Their smiles reflected months of hard work, early mornings in the field, and a renewed hope for a better future in agriculture.
A total of 150 young Filipinos completed the second batch of the Youth Internship Program on Organic Agriculture (YIPOA) on December 9, 2025. The graduates, a mix of out-of-school youth and college completers, finished 21 months of hands-on training focused on organic farming, sustainable practices, and developing their own agribusiness ventures.
Through the program, each participant was able to establish an organic enterprise, a milestone that officials say proves the potential of young people to help strengthen food security and build climate-resilient communities. Trainers noted that many of the graduates entered the program with limited farming experience but left with the skills and confidence to run their own operations.
In a message delivered on behalf of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., DA Undersecretary Alvin John Balagbag emphasized that engaging the youth is crucial to revitalizing Philippine agriculture. He said empowering young farmers will help rebuild the country’s food systems and ensure long-term sustainability, especially as the sector faces climate impacts, rising costs, and an aging farming population.
Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Director Remelyn R. Recoter also praised the graduates, calling them “symbols of hope and innovation.” She said their creativity and determination show that the youth are not only the future of agriculture but already an active force shaping improvements today. Recoter added that their success strengthens the foundation for a more climate-resilient and sustainable food supply.
YIPOA continues to expand across the country as demand grows for training programs that develop agripreneurs and promote organic production. The Department of Agriculture and ATI have committed to supporting more young Filipinos through skills development, mentorship, and access to opportunities that will help them build businesses rooted in sustainability and environmental stewardship.
With the graduation of this latest batch, officials hope more Filipino youth will see agriculture not just as a livelihood, but as a meaningful pathway to uplift communities and contribute to national food security.
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