Akeanon Youth Gains Ground in Farming

KALIBO, Aklan- Several youth farmers in the province are now gaining ground in farming where they also urge young people to engage in the agriculture industry.

Remelyn Recoter, Regional Executive Director of the Department of Agriculture-Western Visayas said that Aklan young farmers were part of the 80 Business Model Canvasses made as Provincial Level Awardees. Of the 80 models, 51 of them were individual entries and 29 groups comprising 74 entries.

A cash award of P50,000.00 for individual winners and P100,000.00 for the group enterprises for a total of P 5.45 Million as start-up capital.

This “Young Farmers Challenge” Program entices the young generation to engage in agriculture to respond to one concern of the sector which is the aging population. The youth will likewise become agripreneurs should the opportunity given by DA through the program sustain by their enthusiasm to be part of ensuring food security in their respective areas,” Recoter who hails from Banga, Aklan said.

“They can later on generate employment as they continue with their enterprises. Most of the business models proposed were on swine, chicken meat and egg, rabbit, mushroom and other commodities. All the provinces in the region have entries, but it’s the Province of Iloilo with the most number, 35 or 43.75% of entries with a total of 49 young budding entrepreneurs,” she added.

Recently, the Aklan youth engaging in the Agriculture industry has organized themselves as Aklan Young Farmers Association.

Their rooster of officers is Jayson Merin, president of New Washington; Vicky Jane Malumay, vice president representing Makato; Kris Ann Menez secretary also of New Washington; Fatttie Mae Toldedo of Banga as treassurer; Ma. Andrea Placer of Kalibo as Treasurer; Andrea Navarra, auditor of Banga; Business Managers were Heinz Borris Rebase (Banga) and Joel Villanueva (Numancia); and Brent Azher Gonzales, Public Information Officer of Kalibo.

Their members include Justine Dale Valencia (Makato); Chelo De Asis (Tangalan); Jennie Pirales (Libacao) ; Jesusimo Ibardolaza (Malinao); Victor Malumay (Makato); Justel Ivan Valencia (Makato); Krizia Ann Dellos Reyes (Makato); Vergel Iguis (Makato); Christian Navarette (Makato); Regine Zaballero (Kalibo); Jason Talco (Numancia) and Billy Requiola (Banga).

Advisers includes Arnulfo Magcope as chair of the Provincial Agriculture Fisheries Council (PAFC) and Vicmae Macavinta PAFC Coordinator.