THE Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday said that 17 awardees of the Young Farmers Challenge had completed a five-day agribusiness and technology bootcamp in Singapore.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said participation was an important investment in Philippine agriculture, empowering the future generation of agricultural leaders.
"Our goal is to build a new generation of Filipino farmers and agripreneurs who are ready for modern agriculture, equipped with innovation, technology, and an entrepreneurial mindset,” he added.
“By investing in their skills today, we are laying the foundation for a more productive farm sector, stronger rural communities, and a better, food-secure future for every Filipino.”
Organized by the DA's Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service in partnership with the Philippine Agriculture Office in Bangkok and Republic Polytechnic Singapore, the program focused on smart farming, sustainable agrifood systems, food innovation and entrepreneurship.
The bootcamp included lectures, site visits, and hands-on learning sessions designed to expose participants to Singapore's agrifood ecosystem and help in transforming their farm venture ideas into businesses ready for investment.
Participants presented their enterprises to Republic Polytechnic incubation managers, agritech ecosystem partners and venture capitalists.
Bluecrust Processed Food Manufacturing of Region 7 won first place for its value-added seafood products. Cher Cacao Products Manufacturing from Negros Island was first runner-up for its artisanal cacao and chocolate products while Egginear Agri-Poultry Solutions from Region 4B bagged second runner-up with its integrated poultry production systems. THE MANILA TIMES
