Four young farmers, primarily from the agricultural areas of Davao City, were among the awardees in the upscale and start-up category of the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Program of the Department of Agriculture XI.
Through the scouting, endorsement and assistance of the Davao City Agriculturist Office the four young farmers were recognized during DA XI’s Farmers and Fisherfolks Month Opening Program held at Bago Oshiro on May 5, 2025.
Named as regional awardees in the Upscale Category of the YFC were Kid Mar V. Narido for his “3k Durian Corner Tropical Fruit Farming Project” in Baguio District, and Velly Jie G. Templa for his “Templa Dominant CZ Free Range Chicken” located in Paquibato District.
Under the Upscale Category, existing eligible ventures are given additional capitalization to improve their operations. Each regional awardee is given Php300,000 in cash grant.
Meanwhile, two Dabawenyos also shined under the Start-Up Category for their best innovative and sustainable agri-business ideas. Under this category, the winners will represent the Davao Region at the national level.
During the event on May 5, Deniso Jamid B. Amad from Toril, Davao City was hailed as one of the seven Regional Level Winners for the start-up (open category) for his “Ground Legacies” .
Meanwhile, Rhouzelyhne Raphar R. Arreza was also recognized as among the regional level qualifiers for her “Garden Crispies”, an agri-enterprise in Barangay 28-C, Davao City.
Both Amad and Areza were among the 14 winners in the provincial level that competed as qualifiers in the regional level.
Under the YFC Program, a grant award of Php 80,000 is given to the winners in the provincial level, Php 150,000 for the winners in the regional level, and Php 300,000 for the winners in the national level. These grants are given as additional support to turn their ideas into successful agricultural ventures.
The YFC is a program for the 18-30 year olds, who has resources, network, or capability to venture/engage in agriculture and fishery business enterprise within the region he or she is competing. CIO
