DA-10 revisits support for the youth with the Office of Senator Imee R. Marcos.

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Through a shared interest to support the next generation of farmers in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through the leadership of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, discussed with the Office of Senator Imee R. Marcos the agency’s programs and interventions for young farmers in Northern Mindanao, on February 26, at the agency compound.

During the meeting, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga with Engr. Jaydrick Yap, representing the lawmaker’s office as focal person for Mindanao, revisited the Department’s Young Farmers Challenge Fund (YFCF) program that seeks to provide funding support for up-and-coming young farmers, as well as established agri-enterprises seeking to upscale their current production.

Cognizant of the aging population of farmers, Yap said that the lawmaker seeks to address this by encouraging a new wave of farmers to engage in agriculture and foster a renewed spirit for self-sufficiency through an entrepreneurial lens.

“Senator Imee continues to champion our young farmers through the annual YFCF search for start-ups and agri-enterprises keen on increasing their current production and profit,” Yap said.

The meeting also tackled potential areas in agriculture for collaboration between the Department and the lawmaker’s office, especially on the specific needs and concerns felt in Region 10.

“The Senator is primarily concerned with understanding the region’s needs and how her current programs can respond to them. Through this meeting, we can touch base with [the DA] and extend the necessary assistance for our farmers in the region,” he added.

In response, RTD Madriaga extended her gratitude to the lawmaker’s office and reiterated the regional office’s usual support and commitment to bolster local farmers and production in Northern Mindanao.# (GDA)