Young Agripreneurs in Antique Urged to Join Young Farmers Challenge
SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique — Young farmers and aspiring agripreneurs in Antique are being encouraged to join the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) and pitch innovative agricultural business ideas.
According to Ge Anthony Recopuerto, Community Affairs Officer of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), pre-registration is now open for the program’s 2026 cycle.
“The YFC aims to inspire individuals aged 18 to 30 to engage in agriculture and turn their ideas into viable enterprises,” he said in an interview Tuesday.
The program, led by the Department of Agriculture, provides financial grants to outstanding proposals: PHP80,000 at the provincial level, PHP150,000 at the regional level, and PHP300,000 at the national level. These grants serve as seed capital to help young entrepreneurs grow their agri-based ventures.
Recopuerto noted that in October 2025, five young agripreneurs from Antique received provincial-level awards for projects such as spiced vinegar production, integrated farming systems, and betta fish culture.
One of the winners, Geneco Mabasa, advanced to the national competition and secured the top prize of PHP300,000 for his nipa-based spiced vinegar, with the finals held in Iloilo last week.
The provincial awardees were formally presented to the Antique Provincial Board during its regular session on Monday.
Meanwhile, OPA Agribusiness and Marketing Coordinator Betty Baldevia announced that around 40 exhibitors will participate in the Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) at the Antique Old Capitol from April 29 to May 1.
“The Kadiwa program helps farmers directly market their produce while giving consumers access to fresh and affordable agricultural products,” she said.
NPO News Team | Philippine News Agency - PR
