BAGUIO CITY – A growing number of young entrepreneurs in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) are returning to agriculture and food production, reflecting a renewed interest in agribusiness and strengthening the country's future food security, according to the Department of Trade and Industry-Cordillera (DTI-CAR).

During the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Week press conference held at SM City Baguio on Thursday, DTI-CAR Regional Director Samuel Gallardo said the region has witnessed a noticeable increase in youth-led agricultural enterprises five years after the pandemic.

"We are seeing that many young entrepreneurs are returning to agri-based industries," Gallardo said, noting that the shift represents a positive transformation in the entrepreneurial landscape of the Cordillera.

Gallardo highlighted several successful ventures led by young entrepreneurs, including mushroom production in Tuba, Benguet, as well as tilapia farming and coffee production across the region.

He described the trend as both encouraging and inspiring, particularly as the country's farming population continues to age.

"It is heartwarming to see that the youth are not only pursuing technology-based businesses but are also embracing food production and agriculture," he added.

One of the region's notable success stories is a coffee producer from La Trinidad, Benguet, whose premium coffee beans fetched PHP9,999 during a competitive national coffee cupping auction, showcasing the growing quality and market value of Cordillera-grown coffee.

To further strengthen the sector, Gallardo said the DTI continues to provide comprehensive support to aspiring and existing entrepreneurs through business development programs, mentoring, technical assistance, and access to affordable financing.

Among these initiatives is the Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) Program, which equips micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with practical knowledge in product development, packaging, labeling, financial management, bookkeeping, and business expansion.

Meanwhile, Lawyer Zosimo Abratique, Regional Governor of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)-Cordillera, emphasized that young entrepreneurs are increasingly exploring diverse business opportunities throughout the region.

"We continue to encourage young entrepreneurs by exposing them to new opportunities and connecting them with networks that can help accelerate the growth of their enterprises," Abratique said.

Both DTI-CAR and PCCI-Cordillera encouraged entrepreneurs, business owners, and aspiring innovators to participate in the DTI-CAR MSME Summit on July 22–23, where participants can learn about government assistance programs, business development strategies, and networking opportunities designed to strengthen the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The increasing participation of young Filipinos in agriculture signals renewed optimism for the country's food production sector, demonstrating that farming and agribusiness remain attractive and sustainable career paths for the next generation.

NPO NEWS TEAM I PNA-PR