ALFONSO, Cavite - The 72nd 4-H National Farm Youth Convention was held on September 3 to 5, 2025, at Camp Benjamin, Alfonso, Cavite, with the theme "Harvest through the 4-H Milestone: Harnessing Agricultural Resilience through Vision, Education, Sustainability, and Technology." This year's event gathered around 400 enthusiastic participants from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), showcasing the spirit of the 4-H movement.
The convention serves as an important yearly platform that empowers and inspires the youth to become active contributors to the future of Philippine agriculture. It is a vital space for learning, camaraderie, and friendly competition, where young farmers enhance their skills and deepen their commitment to sustainable agricultural development. This event not only allows the youth to showcase their talents but also provides opportunities to exchange ideas and build networks that foster agricultural innovation and leadership.
ATI Deputy Director Antonieta Arceo delivered ATI Director Engr. Remelyn Recoter’s message. “At the end there shall be a call to action for all of us. For the youth, may you continue to have the passion, zest for learning so that more people will join us in the agri sector. You shall serve as catalyst of change to transform our sector, you, our youth , hold the seeds of tomorrow’s harvest, may you be nurtured towards the greater purpose of building this nation,” said Arceo.
Among the contests featured this year were the SongCon, Agri-Innovation Pitching, On-the-Spot Photography, Video Making Contest, Most Outstanding 4-H Member and Provincial/Municipal Coordinators, and the National Excellence Achievers Award. The friendly yet fierce competition culminated with “Region 12” being declared the overall champion, followed by Regions 11, 6, 10, and 7 as the runners-up.
The Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) continues to provide unwavering support to this annual convention, recognizing its crucial role in equipping the youth with the vision and knowledge to strengthen agricultural resilience through modern education, sustainability practices, and technology adoption. The ATI remains committed to nurturing the youth as the nation's future agricultural leaders and champions.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., underscored that these youth leaders are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but are leaders of today. “Your projects, creative minds and advocacies are living proof that the youth are a powerful force for change. The department proudly stands with you, we recognize your potential and the vital role in food security and promoting innovation in agriculture and your active involvement in the policy formulation that helps in improving our country’s agri policies. Continue being champions of agriculture not only in your communities but throughout the nation. Always remember that the DA family is your partner, supporter, and ally in your journey. “
Truly, the youth are the living champions of our nation. Their passion, energy, and innovation are vital forces that will keep Philippine agriculture vibrant and resilient for generations to come. The 4-H National Farm Youth Convention stands as a testament to the power of youth engagement and the promise of a bountiful agricultural future.
Co-authored with Alliyah Lyn Ditche
