In line with Agriculture Secretary William Dar’s objective to encourage the youth to venture in agri-fishery activities and enterprise, the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) launched the newest council led by and for the youth called Agricultural and Fishery Youthpreneur Council (AFYC) on June 30, 2020.
Alongside with PCAF’s Advisory Special Bodies, the AFYCs will be one of the primary actors in the agri-fishery decision-making process, through identification and formulation of innovative and sound policy recommendations and influence the sector’s policy environment.
Participated in by more than 30 young agri-fishery leaders from 16 regions, the launch aims to open more opportunities for the youth as envisioned in the “food-secure Philippines” with prosperous farmers and fisherfolk.
The launch featured four young social entrepreneurs who shared their journey as agripreneurs to inspire the listeners. They were Roel Amparo of Cropital, Elvin Laceda of RiceUP, Erika Wong of Karabella Dairy, and Kevin Paslon of Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative.
“Kagaya nyo, we are also excited for the launch of AFYC. Like the theme of PCAF’s 7th anniversary: PCAF is 7-dipitious, we are at the right place at the right time. Who would have thought that despite the Covid-19 pandemic, we will be engaging the youth farmers and youth social entrepreneur champions into bringing great advocacies in agriculture and development,” said PCAF Acting Executive Director Liza Battad.
Qualified to join the council are young agripreneurs, members of the Young Professionals for Agricultural Development in the Philippines, members of the Volunteer Leader’s Association of the Philippines, Young Filipino Farm Leaders Training Program scholars, awardees and winners of agricultural awards, agricultural and fishery youth organizations in the value chain, youth organizations registered at the National Youth Commission, and 4-H Club leaders who are 18-40 years old.
Prior to the launching, PCAF already coordinated with 17 young representatives wherein they have signified interest as founding members of the AFYC. Ceremonial signing of the membership agreement was also highlighted in the event.
They are Bles Anggadol of Cordillera Administrative Region, Joy Rocapor of Ilocos Region, Rudy Concepcion of Cagayan Valley, Irwin Reyes of Central Luzon, Marwin de Torres of CALABARZON, Ricmel Falqueza of MIMAROPA, Leeboy Quibral and Dwight Tamayo of Bicol Region, Elnord Ympal of Central Visayas, Leo Lauzon of Eastern Visayas, Cheng Bautista of Zamboanga Peninsula, Biboy Cabanero of Western Mindanao, Sann Daraman of Northern Mindanao, Dan Castro of Davao Region, Jocel Bayson of SOCCSKSARGEN, Junito Santing, Jr. of Caraga, and Beejay Angeles of Bangsamoro Administrative Region of Muslim Mindanao.
After the launch, PCAF is set to recruit members for the AFYC, finalize its guidelines and schedule orientations and consultations.
Interested parties may check PCAF’s website at www.pcaf.da.gov.ph for the application form and process. For more details and inquiries, send it to pcafofficial@pcaf.da.gov.ph. ### jc
