MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon---After an extensive hands-on training, the 10 participants and beneficiaries of the 4-H Club Youth Development Program (Adopt A 4-Hers Homestay Program) received their Certificate of Completion for their month-long training.
As beneficiaries of the 4-H Club Youth Development Program (Adopt A 4-Hers Homestay Program) and contributors to agricultural development, there is a need to give more attention to the young farmer-entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector. These young farmers belong to the Out-of-School Youth (OSY) who are graduate from secondary levels but not graduate of tertiary levels, who developed interest in agriculture.
Through the program with hands-on training, it intends to educate and develop our OSY 4-H’ers to become successful agri-entrepreneurs by learning the basic concepts and practical application of farm production management; enhance their technical knowledge in the production, processing and marketing of any agricultural commodity/s of their interest; and establish the right attitude, self-esteem and confidence as a farmer-entrepreneur, through actual farming application and hands-on processing and value adding activity.
The advent of Adopt a 4-H’er Program is an opportune time for young farmers to be developed in making better living condition for their respective families. By applying the fundamental learnings gained from this program, the OSY 4-H’ers are expected to become active participants and significant contributors in developing productive agricultural lands, building farm-business enterprises, and help in ensuring food sufficiency and security for the country.
“Ako lang makaistorya about bahin ani na training nagpasalamat me na kami napilian na mga Out of School Youth. Salamat sa mga staff sa Umanika og sa ATI. E labi na kay Maam Cristine na kanunay na ga suporta sa amoa, kang Saysay, Kuya Sunday, Dande dare sa organic farm na sila nag tudlo sa amua bahin unsaun ang pagtanum sa herbs og sa maayung pag pang atiman. Hinaut na unta sa mga sumusunod na tuig parehas ra gyapun sa dare amoa gehapon sila maka pamensar sa saktung pag pang huna huna.” Roland R. Sajol said during the sharing of testimonies and impressions.
The graduate beneficiaries also received post training support (inclusive of assorted vegetable seeds (Pinakbet), hand trowel, polyethylene bags, and seedling trays); IEC materials on crop and animal production; Personal Protective Equipments (Buli hat, industrial mask, industrial and rubber gloves, rubber boots, Apron, t-shirts, and jacket with hood); training bag; and a copy of their TESDA NC II CARS on Agricultural Crops Production and Animal Production (Poultry-Chicken).
The graduation ceremony was attended by the ATI staff, host farmers and farm staff, LGU 4-H Club Coordinators, as well as parents of the graduates.
Agriculturist II Javier P. Andalan, on behalf of OIC-Center Director Maria Lydia A. Echavez, inspired the graduates by sharing life lessons and experiences while JAECAAP Alumni Richard T. Dadole shared his farming life and experiences in Japan.
Host farmers Mr. Reynaldo Gil G. Lomarda and Mrs. Rose Mary B. Lomarda also gave the graduates some GreenMinds products and planting materials consisting of herbs, spices, ornamentals and fruit trees.
The graduation ceremony transpired at Umanika Eco-Cultural Farm, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on August 30, 2019 with Project Officer Cristine A. Galupo facilitating the event. (with reports from Cristine A. Galupo, Agriculturist-II)