4Hers and LGU coordinators who attended the three-day activity camped at the Panguil River Eco Park in Pangil, Laguna
PANGIL, Laguna - The annual gathering of 4Hers in the region once again showcased different talents and innovative projects of youth in agriculture.
This year's theme, "Bringing Innovation and Development to Agriculture through 4H" highlights innovations on agricultural and agripreneural practices of 4Hers. These were exhibited in various contests such as Cacao-based Processing and Packaging Technology, Terrarium and Promotional Video Making. There were also new contests in this year's camp such as Spoken Poetry and Song Writing and Singing Competition, both appealing to the present generation of the youth.
4H contestants supported by their municipal and provincial coordinators battled it out in these categories. Here is the list of winners:
Terrarium - Alejandro Cagibas, Province of Rizal
Cacao-based Processing and Packaging Technology - Andy Busilig, Province of Batangas
Spoken Poetry - Mark Libuna, Province of Laguna
Promotional Video Making - Jarell Timbang, Province of Rizal
Quiz Bee - Leanne Quina Cabangon, Province of Quezon
On-the-Spot Canvass Painting - Clarence Villanueva, Province of Laguna
Song Writing and Singing Competition - Joshua De Villa, Province of Batangas
The discussion on "Innovative Ways to Engage the Youth into Agriculture" and sharing of experiences also highlighted the three-day camp. In his talk, Mr. Brian Belen, manager and owner of ABF Integrated Farms and Agribusiness Center stirred up the 4Hers with the challenges surrounding the Philippine agriculture and how their strengths can address issues on food security, land use and shortage of young farmers. He also enumerated various careers in Agriculture that they can pursue such as Plant Breeder, Agripreneur, Agronomist, and Agricultural Engineer among others.
A total of 152 4Hers, provincial and municipal coordinators and VLAP (Volunteer Leaders Association of the Philippines) from five provinces in the region gathered for the camp to build stronger relations and increase the community of youth agriculture leaders.
The 6th 4H regional camp is one of ATI's intitatives in mentoring young Filipino farmers to become Agripreneurs in their communities and the country. The activity was held last April 10-12, 2019 at Panguil River Eco Park in this municipality.