ORIENTAL MINDORO - The Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center MIMAROPA in partnership with the Office of Senator Grace Poe launched the “Binhi ng Pag-asa Program (BPP)” on July 19, 2022 at ATI CAFÉ Hall, Barcenaga, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
BPP aims to empower young people to become competent agripreneurs and agricultural leaders.
“Bilang tagapagsanay sa agrikultura, tayo ang magbubuklod, gagabay at huhubog sa mga binhi na ito para sa kinabukasan ng ating mga magsasaka,” Norberto C. Maur, OIC Assistant Director said.
In her message, Provincial Agriculturist Christine Pine emphasized the role of “binhi” as they are the farmers who think and act above the rest.
“Kayo ay mga agripreneur na angat sa karaniwang magsasaka na naghahanap ng makabagong teknolohiya at innovations upang mapaunlad pa ang agrikultura,” Ms. Pine said.
She also pledged the full support of the Provincial Agriculture Office in empowering youth in agriculture because she is believer of the youth’s capacity as enabler of sustainable development.
Meanwhile, Center Director Pat Andrew Barrientos said that in order to achieve the food sovereignty and food excessibility which is the present thrust of the current administration, all sectors including the youth should be involved.
Also, with different programs including the BPP, all youths will be given agri-economic opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills in agri-enterprises.
“After this training, you will prepare project proposals or re-entry plan to venture into agri-enterprise. In addition, each one of you will be granted with P11,000.00 worth of goods/supplies as after-training support to start your endeavor,” Center Director Barrientos said. “Though, small amount but it will grow eventually with the help of this training,” he added.
The BPP has been implemented in 15 provinces all over the country since 2017. This year, the Province of Oriental Mindoro is one of the chosen provinces to implement the BPP. It is expected to conduct one (1) provincial and 17 municipal trainings and produce 455 young Mindoreños as beneficiaries of the program.
Under BPP, beneficiaries will be provided with agricultural starter kits, modules and capacity-building activities.
