SAN AGUSTIN, PILI, CAMARINES SUR – Four individuals and three groups of young agri-preneurs were hailed as regional winners during the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Regional Pitching Start-Up (Open Category) held at the DA Agribusiness Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) building on April 10–11, 2025.

The winners in the Processing (Food and Non-Food) Category were the Kanipaan Ko Food Manufacturing by Maria Quenlie C. Bogasan, Trecia Mae A. Merabil, Justine R. San Juan, Janice M. Mimay and Christine Joy Valerio from Camarines Sur; Yuana Taste Food Product by Pherlyn B. Mendiola from Albay; and Ecopure Cleaning Solutions by Reyden Guevarra, Lea Mae Lizardo, Grace Ubalde and John Glenn Mesa from Camarines Sur.

In the Production Category, the winners were Rafael’s Fresh Eggs by Estrella E. Rafael from Camarines Norte; Irosin Local Mushroom Farm by James Michael E. Gamba, Jaela Vianca P. Gipit, Jay G. Gicanal, Joshua G. Doctor and John Carlo Gamba from Sorsogon; EOM Agri Enterprise by Edmark O. Mapa from Albay and M.A.s Piggery by Mary Angel O. Totanes from Camarines Norte.

Each winner will receive a financial grant worth P150,000 and will qualify for the Young Farmers Challenge National Level competition where they will get the chance to win P300,000.

The panel of evaluators was led by AMAD OIC – Chief Engr. Luisito R. Baltazar. He was joined by Christian Bernard Dominic V. Porlucas, Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Office No. 5; Claudia Esmeralda Honrado-Chairperson, Cacao Sectoral Committee Regional Agri-Fishery Council (RAFC) Bicol; Lovella P. Guarin, Chief of the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS); and Robella Naldo, Market Specialist for Digital Agriculture Program.

The evaluators shared their expertise and provided recommendations to improve the participants’ business models. Patrocinio Collao I, YFC Bicol focal person assisted the participants during the pitching of their proposals.

The YFC Program started in 2021 to support young farmers and fisherfolk as active partners in food security and agricultural development. It aims to encourage the youth to engage in activities related to agriculture, agri-business, and agri-entrepreneurship. (Zandra G. Abogado – RAFIS 5)