ILIGAN CITY – Over 60 young farmers from across Northern Mindanao convened at Jay Farmvill-KJJ Bville in Ditucalan from April 13–16, 2026, for the annual 4-H Ignites Regional Camp.
Held under the theme, “Empowering Growth, Igniting Innovation, Transforming Excellence through Smart Agriculture,” the four-day event sought to cultivate leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation among the region’s youth.
Participants represented 4-H clubs from Iligan City, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, Camiguin, and Bukidnon.
During the event, Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center X (ATI-RTC X) Center Director Maria Lydia A. Echavez emphasized the vital role of youth in the agricultural sector. She urged the attendees to revitalize the industry by embracing good agricultural practices and digital technologies to bolster community and national food security.
The activity was attended by key officials and partners, including Iligan City Vice Mayor Ernest Oliver C. Uy, City Agriculturist Marie Ann J. Beley, City Councilor Hon. Ian Uy, Volunteer Leaders Association of the Philippines President Ricmel Palqueza, and ATI-RTC X Center Director Maria Lydia A. Echavez.
The activity featured an engaging mix of competitive and skill-building activities, including the Search for the Most Outstanding 4-H Member, Agri-Innovation Pitching, 4-H SongCon, and the Agri-lympics.
4-H Bukidnon emerged as the overall champion, winning the 4-H Head Category and SongCon (Creative Arts), and producing the Outstanding 4-H Club Member. Meanwhile, 4-H Cagayan de Oro City claimed top honors in the 4-H Reel Roots: Short Film Festival, as well as in the 4-H Health and 4-H Hands categories.
4-H Misamis Oriental also showcased strong performance, securing victories in the Quiz Bee and Agri-Innovation Pitching competitions.
The regional camp served as a crucial qualifying platform, with winners moving on to represent Northern Mindanao at the upcoming National 4-H Convention.
With reports from Kristal Noris Raz
