DUMAGUETE CITY, NEGROS ORIENTAL. Youth participation in agriculture guarantees a strong and dynamic labor force dedicated to overcoming the world's food security issues through increased productivity, crop diversification, and the adoption of resilient farming techniques.

In addition, capability enhancement trainings encourage youth to actively participate in community development, leading to the revitalization of rural areas through improved agriculture, infrastructure, and social services.

With this, the Agricultural Training Institute in Central Visayas implemented the Capability Enhancement Trainings for Youth in Agriculture (Agripreneurship Program) at Manhattan Suites Inn on August 29-31, 2023 with 20 pax trained.

The program generally aimed to holistically empower the youth to become agripreneurs and viable partners in agricultural development.                                      

“With the proper training, with the right guidance, and with the people surrounding you, your business idea will definitely be possible. I thank all the speakers who gave their time and shared their expertise to us. I learned a lot of things, especially for someone like me who doesn’t really have an inkling on business. I hope one day my business idea will be given a chance and I’ll have the capability and resources to make it happen. May pera sa pagsasaka, has now become the mindset I want to live by. I wanted to use this opportunity and learning for good. I want to improve our life, my family, and we one day I hope to achieve financial freedom,” shared Nova Veraley Grafe, a 4-H Club member from Sibulan, Negros Oriental.

Equipped with enhanced skills, youth become valuable assets to the agricultural workforce, leading to increased employment opportunities within the sector and helping counteract rural-to-urban migration trends.