A TOTAL of 82 senior high school students from the Central Luzon State University-Agricultural Science and Technology School (CLSU-ASTS) recently took part in a boot camp on farm mechanization, aiming to enhance their appreciation of modern agriculture.
During the event on April 14 to 15, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. inspired the participants to do their part in leveling up the country’s agriculture sector.
“By being here, you’re not just learning skills; you are joining a movement that is shaping the future of food and farming in our country,” Tiu Laurel stated.
The boot camp was held at the headquarters of the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, and is part of the Youth for Mechanization (Y4M) program.
PhilMech Executive Director Dionisio Alvindia encouraged the delegates to pursue agricultural courses in college, finish their education, and become agripreneurs for a prosperous future. He also emphasized the need for parents to change the narrative surrounding agriculture or that it requires hard work but yields not much income.
Delegates praised the event for enhancing their appreciation of agriculture as a modern and innovative field, transforming them into advocates for Y4M. They also expressed their eagerness to volunteer in future Y4M activities.
“This boot camp is very fulfilling. Considering that we are the pioneering batch of this boot camp, we can really say that we are blessed and honored to be part of this. We are really thankful sa experience na na-provide ng PHilMech for us,” said Elyyahson Rosales, 17.
“I would say my overall experience would be fun and full of knowledge because we did not only learn about the machineries themselves but also the agricultural sector of the Philippines,” said Mara Rihanna Babasoro, 18.
“It was great, I am grateful to try those machineries and to experience again driving a tractor, and it’s fun po to stay here,” said Genric Sevilla, 17.
The Y4M aims to rebrand the image of agriculture among the youth and mobilize them into a skilled workforce in mechanization for the sector, which will help the country enhance its food security level. THE TIMES
