SAN MIGUEL, Surigao del Sur — More than 100 aspiring members of the 4H Club of the Philippines participated in the “Know Your Rice: An Interactive Rice Information Campaign” conducted by the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII on April 23, 2026, at the H.E. Hall, NorthEastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU) – San Miguel Campus.
The activity aimed to enhance food literacy and promote sustainability among the youth through interactive discussions, activities, and practical applications that can be practiced at home and in school. It also highlighted rice farming as a vital and dignified source of livelihood while introducing ATI’s programs, services, and opportunities for young people in agriculture.
The program formally opened with welcome remarks from Janith B. Curada, Community Development Specialist II (CDS II) and 4H Coordinator of the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, who emphasized the importance of youth engagement in agriculture and encouraged participants to take an active role in food production and community development.
An inspirational message was also delivered by Glenn C. Biacolo, Administrative Officer III of NEMSU-San Miguel Campus, who underscored the role of education and partnerships in empowering the youth to become future leaders in the agricultural sector.
Key learning sessions were facilitated by ATI-RTC XIII and partner speakers. Mary Jane Gonzaga discussed “Getting to Know Rice: From Palay to Plate,” including topics on rice and nutrition, as well as rice’s role in ensuring food security. This was followed by Desiree Lee L. Vasquez, Provincial Rice Coordinator, who presented the rice industry situationer in Surigao del Sur and shared upcoming programs and projects of the Department of Agriculture that will benefit both the province and the municipality.
Further enriching the activity, Maria Den Parro and Ressell Angelie Fetalsana of ATI-RTC XIII introduced the institute’s programs and opportunities tailored for the youth, encouraging them to actively participate in agricultural initiatives and take advantage of available training and support services.
Participants also gained valuable insights from Juniel Rey Gigaquit, Volunteer Coordinator of Kids Who Farm, a non-profit organization promoting urban gardening, food sustainability, and climate action. He introduced the “Gardenator,” an innovative vertical gardening system made from upcycled plastic drums with a built-in composter, allowing multiple crops to grow while converting kitchen waste into organic fertilizer.
As a key outcome of the activity, participants completed membership forms for the 4-H Club of the Philippines, marking their commitment to actively engage in agricultural development and youth-led initiatives in their respective communities.
Through this initiative, the youth were equipped with knowledge and practical ideas that promote sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental stewardship—empowering them to become future champions of the agricultural sector.
