BUTUAN CITY – The Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII continued its advocacy of educating the younger generation on the importance of agriculture through the Know Your Rice: An Interactive Rice Information Campaign during the opening day of the DUYOG 2026: 1st Caraga Agri-Fishery Youth Congress on July 6, 2026.
The activity forms part of ATI Caraga's continuing implementation of the Rice Information Campaign, following its successful conduct of Batches 1 and 2 in Agusan del Sur, Butuan City, and Surigao del Sur. This third batch brought together youth leaders and advocates from across the Caraga Region to deepen their appreciation of rice, nutrition, and opportunities in the agriculture sector. The congress aims to unite young leaders from the region and encourage them to become active partners in advancing a resilient, innovative, and sustainable agri-fishery sector.
The opening program gathered more than 100 delegates from the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and the Highly Urbanized City of Butuan, along with representatives from ATI-RTC XIII, DA-RFO XIII, Agricultural Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD)-Caraga, the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC), the National Youth Commission, DOST-Caraga, and other partner agencies.
Among the guests who attended the activity were DA-RFO XIII Regional Executive Director Engr. Ricardo M. Oñate, ATI-RTC XIII OIC-Center Director Noemi Beth G. Macario, AMAD-Caraga Division Chief and Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Focal Person Lynn A. Pareñas, and RAFC Caraga Council Chairperson Christopher H. Lindo. Participants also received an inspiring video message from Dr. Bernadette B. Delos Santos, Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF).
During the afternoon plenary, Mr. John Lord L. Auman, Senior Agriculturist of ATI-RTC XII and 4-H Regional Coordinator, discussed the 4-H Club Movement and shared insights from his benchmark learning experience in the United States, emphasizing the many opportunities available for Filipino youth in agriculture. Ms. Nemielyn P. Pangilinan of ATI Central Office presented the ATI's national youth development initiatives and future directions, highlighting programs that empower young farmers and strengthen youth organizations in the agriculture sector.
As part of the Rice Information Campaign, Ms. Mary Jane A. Gonzaga, Rice Program Focal Person of ATI-RTC XIII, delivered a session on "Rice and Nutrition for a Healthier YOU(th)," emphasizing the nutritional value of rice, responsible consumption, and the important role of Filipino youth in promoting food security. The discussion encouraged participants to become advocates of healthy eating while recognizing the contributions of rice farmers to the nation's food supply.
All in all, the plenary sessions, provides the participants with the opportunity to exchange ideas with the resource speakers and gain deeper insights into youth leadership, agricultural innovation, and food security.
