SIARGAO - More than 400 members of the 4-H Clubs from the different regions in the Philippines recently gathered for the 71st Farm Youth (4-H) National Convention, organized by the 4-H Club of the Philippines in close coordination with the Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Training Institute (ATI).
This year's theme RELIVE the 4-H in YOUth: Re-energizing and Empowering 4-H Leaders In Valuable Agri-Fishery Engagements” highlighted the role of youth as catalysts of change who will shape the landscape of Philippine agriculture for generations to come.
ATI Director Remelyn R. Recoter gave her message of support through Assistant Director Antonieta J. Arceo where she emphasized the pivotal role of convention in guaranteeing the active participation and involvement of young farmers to gain exposure to a multitude of possibilities and improve their knowledge and abilities in the fields of agriculture and fisheries. She added that the ATI has been consistent in providing holistic empowering opportunities for the 4-H Clubs, especially amid the challenges of the aging population of Filipino farmers as well as the need for a more competent and advanced agricultural system. "We will always acknowledge and celebrate your organization as our proactive partners in agricultural development," according to Recoter.
During the four-day convention, the participants from the different regions competed to promote advocacies and projects of their respective clubs through video-making, songwriting, and promotional merchandise making. To highlight the exceptional accomplishments and development of youth in the agriculture sector, the selected outstanding members and coordinators were awarded this year's National Excellent Achievers Awards for 4-H. These friendly competitions paved the way for the youth participants not only to showcase their talents and skills but also to rebuild camaraderie and kinship.
Guests who graced the activity included Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Lyndon S. Barbers, represented by Provincial Sports and Youth Development Officer Vanessa Diane P. Dubduban, Dr. Asterio P. Saliot, President of the Federation of Volunteer Leaders of the Philippines, Rudy N. Mostar, President of the International Farm Youth Exchange (IFYE) and Alexandra V. Aborita, National President of 4-H Club of the Philippines.
The 4-H Club is an organization whose members are out-of-school and in-school youths, who are single ages 7 to 30 years old, and involved in the farming and/or fishing industry. As the prime mover in the development of 4-H clubs in the country, the ATI has also been engaging with other various organizations, innovating plans and programs to empower the country's youth in agriculture.
The 71st National Farm Youth (4-H) Convention was held from June 18 to 21, 2024, at Siargao Island Sports and Tourism Center, in Dapa, Siargao Island.
