The Department of Agriculture in Western Visayas (DA-WV) is urging young farmers to turn their ideas into viable businesses and encourage more youth to pursue agriculture.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra issued the challenge during the provincial awarding ceremony for Season 6 of the DA-6 Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Program here on Sept. 3.

The program awarded 57 young entrepreneurs from Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo province and Iloilo City, according to a DA-WV report Monday.

Each awardee received PHP80,000 in startup capital.

Of the 57 awardees, 38 enterprises competed in four categories: 15 in production, 13 in food processing, seven in non-food processing, and three in digital agriculture.

DA-WV Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Zarlina Cuello described the participants as “game changers” who can help bring innovation and new leadership to the agriculture sector.

She said young people with fresh ideas and approaches will play an important role in the future of Philippine agriculture.

“The enterprises showcased by the young farmers, from production and food processing to digital agriculture, demonstrate how agriculture can move beyond traditional farming and become a viable avenue for entrepreneurship and nation-building,” Cuello said.

Rhea Cristina Resol, officer-in-charge chief of the DA-WV Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division, urged the awardees to manage their startup capital responsibly and use it to strengthen their businesses.

Abegail Ann Trinidad of Agri-Loop Pod in Capiz, the youngest participant and senior high school provincial winner, encouraged other young people to start small.

“Have the courage to try,” Trinidad said.

The provincial winners will advance to the regional competition, where they will vie for the chance to represent Western Visayas in the national competition. (PNA)