In a remarkable culmination program, 10 youth scholars were awarded diplomas for successfully completing the nine-month internship under the Youth Scholarship Grant on Organic Farming. This took place on November 28, 2023, at ATI RTC 02, Malasin, San Mateo, Isabela as part of the 9th Organic Agriculture Month Celebration.

The theme "Kabuhayang OA, Kinabukasang OK" resonated through the program, emphasizing the significance of organic agriculture in fostering a sustainable and promising future.

Spearheaded by the Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center 02 through the leadership of Dir. Imelda M. Guilermo in collaboration of DA RFO 02's Dir. Roberto C. Busania, RTD for Operation and Extension and with the invaluable support of partners like Municipal Agriculture Office and Learning Sites for Agriculture cooperators in Region 2, the graduation program marked a significant milestone in the collective effort to champion sustainable farming practices.

The 10 scholars from the Youth Scholarship Grant on Organic Farming (YSGOF) received P150,000.00 each to establish their organic agriculture-based projects and, in turn, become catalysts for the promotion of organic agriculture in their respective areas. This is in addition to the P10,000.00 allowance per month for the first year of their project. These projects will commence after going through an intense examination and training in organic farming during their nine-month internship in LSAs.

Throughout this period, they resided in their assigned LSA, immersing themselves in hands-on training in actual organic farming. The 10 scholars are Warren U. Dinamling from Gamis, Saguday, Quirino, Mark Davidson T. Respicio from Masaya Norte, San Agustin, Isabela, Michell E. Matin from Cabanglasan, Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya, Juniel E. Delos Santos from San Miguel, Ramon , Isabela, Dymelyn M. Pansoy from Malasin, San Mateo, Isabela, Daniel C. Salazar from Bulilaoa, Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya, Angelo R. Naranjo from Communal, Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, Lyka Kim B. Kiray from Cabanglasan, Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya, Carl Cedrick G. Paranes from Brgy. Dadap, Solano, Nueva Vizcaya and Francis C. Maluyo from Brgy. Dadap, Solano, Nueva Vizcaya. The trainees were deployed to the four farm partners namely: R and D Oliveros Institute of Technology and Agri- Tourism Corporation (owned by Engr. Ramon D. Oliveros), GENRAM Integrated and Diversified Farm Learning Site (owned by Benito G. Ramos III), Valdez Integrated Farm and Training Center Inc. (owned by Mr. Marcelo Valdez), Roberto’s Farm (owned by r. Robert V. Manlapaz) and Angela’s Integrated Farm (owned by John Paul Gaoiran).

Warren U. Dinamling shared his impression on his training journey, expressing his gratitude for the knowledge gained and the opportunity to contribute to sustainable agriculture in his community. His personal reflections added depth to the celebration, emphasizing the profound impact of this program on both his professional development and the broader agricultural landscape.

As these scholars, armed with newfound knowledge and financial backing, embark on their journey to promote organic agriculture, the collaborative spirit exhibited in this culminating program, themed "Kabuhayang OA, Kinabukasang OK," serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future in the region.

Also, held during the culminating activity of the National Organic Agriculture Month Celebration is the Induction of Officers of Cagayan Valley Organic Agriculture Industry Council and the awarding of Participatory Organic Certificate (POC) to the deserving farmer members of the Nueva Vizcaya PGS (NVPGS)

1. Janet T. Arboleda - Arboleda’s Integrated Farm, Bintawan Sur, Villaverde, Nueva Vizcaya

2. Vergita G. Makiling - Gumangan-Makiling Integrated Farm, Paitan, Bayombong, Nueva

Vizcaya

3. Mario P. Tayaban - Green Living Organic Farm, Tiblac, Ambaguio, Nueva Vizcaya

4. Joseph B. Antero - Antero's Farm, Tidang Village, Kayapa Nueva Vizcaya

5. Patenio C. Cabiag - Solomon Organic Farm, Tidang Village, Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya

The POC is an attestation that the aforementioned farmer and their crops are guaranteed and certified organic by BAFS and found in compliance with the current Philippine National Standards for Organic Agriculture and other applicable regulations for organic agriculture. It is also one of the steps towards becoming fully Accredited PGS by NVPGS where they will be given the responsibility and right to certify farms of fellow organic farmers who want to become certified PGS in their province.