Diliman, QUEZON CITY - The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) and the Office of Senator Francis โKikoโ Pangilinan convened on February 2, 2026, to discuss the Implementing Guidelines for Mentoring and Attracting Youth in Agribusiness (MAYA): A Revitalized Internship Program of ATI. This initiative is designed to strengthen youth participation in the agriculture sector through consistent, standards-based mentorship and training.
One of the key agreements is the inclusion of slots for graduating college students, and graduates of the K-to-12 program and Technical Vocational agriculture-related courses who will not be pursuing higher education in the succeeding years. This expansion reflects ATIโs commitment to the Department of Agriculture (DA) standards of inclusivity and empowerment, ensuring that more young Filipinos are provided with agribusiness opportunities and pathways to encourage participation in agriculture. The MAYA Internship Program will commence this year with 160 target interns.ย
The meeting also reaffirmed ATIโs alignment with DA and the Office of Sen. Kikoโs priorities through other initiatives, including the Deployment and Advancement of Responsive Extension on Agriculture for Community Holistic Development (DA-REACH), which underscores the relevance of responsive extension services in advancing the agriculture sector. Additionally, discussions included the introduction of a new Award Category for the GAWAD SAKA: Parangal sa mga Natatanging Magsasaka at Mangingisda, which will recognize the Top 10 Agriculture Students in the Philippines - a move to celebrate youth excellence and inspire future leaders in agriculture.ย
The ATI and the Office of Sen. Pangilinan thrust its shared commitment to sowing futures by opening pathways for Filipino youth to take root in agriculture, grow knowledge and skills, and emerge as empowered individuals who will drive the sectorโs sustainable development.ย
Written by: Justine Ann Alcantara
