PILILLA, Rizal - It's that time of the year again when active young farmers from different 4H Clubs in CaLaBaRzon gather for the much-antipicated Regional Farm Youth Camp.

The Regional Farm Youth Camp is an annual activity of the 4H Club which aims to give the young farmers an opportunity to showcase their talents and skills, and rekindle their commitment to the organization.

This year's camp kicked off with a Thanksgiving Mass and 4H rituals, cultural presentations and inspirational messages during the opening program on the first day. Meanwhile, major and minor contests were simultaneously held on the second day:

• Innovative Farm Tourism Layout Making
• Edible Dish Gardening
• Extemporaneous Speaking
• Value Adding: Food Processing and Packaging (Oyster Mushroom)
• Indigenous Plaque Making
• 4H Quiz Bee
• Singing Contest
• Video Making

Moreover, 4H members, Volunteer Leader Association of the Philippines members, 4H coordinators, guests and ATI RTC-CaLaBaRZon officials performed the ceremonial Candlelighting, one of the most important and heartfelt ceremonies of 4H Club.

This year's theme: More Fun and Income in Farm Youth Through Farm Tourism, focused on promoting farm tourism livelihood opportunities to 4H members.

"Malaking hamon sa Department of Agriculture na mapanatili ang mga kabataan sa agrikultura," Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food Chairman of Senator Cynthia A. Villar addressed the participants through her Chief of Staff, Atty. Rhaegee Tamaña,. She added that the only way to keep the young people in the farm is by making them earn, through three income streams: production, learning site and farm tourism.

Through RA 10816 or the Farm Tourism Development Act of 2016, the Department through the Agricultural Training Institute, together with the Department of Tourism, and Department of Trade and Industry have been pushing efforts to develop and promote farm tourism in the Philippines.

ATI RTC-CaLaBaRZon Center Director Ms. Marites Piamonte-Cosico in her message strongly believes in the capabilities of 4H members as active nation-builders. "Marubdob and aming pagnanais na palakasin ang inyong interes sa agrikultra na hahalili sa nagkaka-edad na magsasaka" she stressed.

"Dapat nating isaisip na ito [agrikultura] ay hindi mababang uri, bagkus marangal na propesyon" she added.

The 5th 4H Regional Farm Youth camp was led by ATI RTC- CaLaBaRZon with support funding from the Local Government Unit of Pililla. It was well-attended by 126 4H Members and Coordinators, Volunteer Leader Asssociation Members, and guests last April 11 - 13, 2018.