Birth of a leader
At a young age of 25, Allan Matias, Jr. became president of Pagkasa ng Kabataan sa Saudi Pias 4-H Club in Rio Chico, General Tinio, Nueva Ecija. The 4-H organization led by Allan started doing flower arrangements from recycled materials. With Php 1,000 as initial capital, the group managed to double it and encouraged more out-of-school youth to join the project.
He decided to engage in agripreneurship after joining the Binhi ng Pag-asa Program (BPP) in 2021. “Wala po akong love sa agriculture dati, pero dahil po sa training (BPP), nagkaroon ako ng love sa nature – na mas pahalagahan at protektahan ang kalikasan at ang mga bumubuo rito,” he shared.
The BPP training Allan attended in 2021 sparked his sense of leadership. He encouraged his members to actively participate in group activities as he believes that one learns by doing. “Natuto kami habang gumagawa and we make the best better. Ang mabuti ay pagbubutihin pa,” he emphasized.
In December 2021, the group received 60 free-range chickens and two goats as an agri-starter kit from the BPP. Just like any other business, theirs had ups and downs. They encountered high mortality of chicken. They tried identifying the cause and changed the type of feeds but nothing happened.
Stepping up on a larger stone
Allan did not let the challenges stop the group from pursuing the agricultural project. As a leader, he stepped up in researching the in-demand livestock in town and decided to trade their chicken with goats.
Thirty (30) chickens were sold for Php 9,000, which they used to buy three (3) goats. Currently, Allan’s group is raising 10 free-range chickens and five (5) goats. One of the goats is expected to give birth in 2023.
The group established a market for their agricultural products by maximizing the use of social media. Now, they are hoping to build an agricultural learning site where they can manage all their agribusinesses.
Meanwhile, Allan is thankful as he is receiving more support from his fellow youth and local government unit in building up his strengths as a young leader.
As an active and passionate young leader in the community, he influences and inspires youth to engage in agriculture.
“Kapag meron kang inumpisahan at itinanim, meron kang aanihin pagdating ng panahon dahil naniniwala ako na ang kabataan ang binhi ng pag-asa,” he said.
Allan’s tips for becoming a leader
Here are five steps I do as the leader of the Pagkasa ng Kabataan sa Saudi Pias 4-H Club.
1st step: KNOW YOUR TEAM
Always be nice to your co-officers and all members of the organization. You must care about your 4-H members and also motivate them to pursue the organization’s mission because each person is unique in both personal and social aspects.
2nd step: LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Be disciplined. As a leader, this is the only way you can discipline others while also sharing virtues with them. Always promote a collaborative work environment. Remember, that the most effective leaders are not the ones who control people, but the ones who communicate with all team members. Let them know all the available options, and get everyone engaged.
3rd step: ALWAYS BE READY TO WORK HARD AND REMAIN PATIENT
Along with faith and rest, the major keys to becoming a better version of ourselves are hard work and patience. Remember, when we begin to be honest with ourselves and our goals, we know that hard work is one of the only answers to reaching those goals.
4th step: BE A RISK-TAKER
Have the ability or willingness to take risks in life and career. The 4-H Club is involved in different projects that allow us to showcase our skills and abilities.
5th step: BE A PROBLEM-SOLVER & A DECISION-MAKER
Problem-solving requires the involvement of other team members. As a leader, you should make hard decisions and set the direction for the organization. However, seek input from those involved, particularly those who must implement the solution. Also, be optimistic at all times.
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