Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Thursday said young Filipinos play a crucial role in sustaining and modernizing the country’s agricultural sector.

In a message delivered by Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra during the awarding ceremony of the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) at the Baguio Convention Center, Laurel said the YFC program has shown how young people can bring new ideas and energy into farming.

“The Young Farmers’ Challenge program is a testament to the bright and promising future of agriculture in our country. Ako po ay lubos na naniniwala na ang inyong husay at talino ay magiging susi sa isang moderno at sustainablle na agrikultura sa Pilipinas, (I fully believe that your innovativeness and talent are keys to a modern and sustainable agriculture in the Philippines),” Laurel said.

Now on its fifth year, the YFC has grown to include “Scale-Up” and “Intercollegiate” categories, with participants developing agribusiness ideas across the country.

Laurel noted that several projects have helped not just individual participants, but also their families and local communities.

“To those who didn’t win, don’t be discouraged—this is only the beginning,” he added, promising continued support from the Department of Agriculture.

Undersecretary Cherry Marie Natividad-Caballero also addressed the participants, pointing out how many of the projects reflected creative, practical responses to local agricultural challenges.

She noted that one initiative from the Cordillera region, initially submitted as a contest entry, has since been adopted by the DA and is being replicated nationally through the agency’s “Gulayang Bayan” program.

Caballero said the YFC is helping shift perceptions of farming among the youth, turning it into a viable and meaningful livelihood.

Since its launch, the program has supported over 4,300 young farmers nationwide.

This year’s YFC national finals gathered 64 competitors whose proposals were evaluated for their potential to contribute to food production and local economic development. (PNA)