More young Filipino agriculture entrepreneurs are now equipped with world-class agribusiness skills from Singapore, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Tuesday.
This came after 17 awardees of the DA’s Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Program returned to the Philippines following a five-day innovation boot camp in Singapore.
The DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) organized the program in partnership with the Philippine Agriculture Office in Bangkok and Republic Polytechnic Singapore.
In a statement, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said this initiative is part of the government’s investment for the future generations of agripreneurs.
“By investing in their skills today, we are laying the foundation for a more productive farm sector, stronger rural communities and a better, food-secure future for every Filipino,” he said.
The Republic Polytechnic, meanwhile, said it will continue to provide online coaching even after the Philippine delegation returns from the Singapore immersion.
During the activity, the young Filipino agripreneurs gained exposure to Singapore’s world-class agrifood ecosystem through the agribusiness and technology incubation program.
These included smart farming, food innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable agrifood systems through lectures, site visits, and hands-on learning sessions.
During the Final Business Pitch and Demo Day, Filipino participants presented their enterprises before venture capitalists, agritech ecosystem partners, and Republic Polytechnic incubation managers.
Bluecrust Processed Food Manufacturing from Central Visayas garnered the top prize for its value-added seafood products.
The Cher Cacao Products Manufacturing from the Negros Island Region followed as first runner-up, as it showcased its artisanal cacao and chocolate products.
Moreover, the Egginear Agri-Poultry Solutions Mimaropa secured its rank as the second runner-up with its integrated poultry production systems.
“Our goal is to build a new generation of Filipino farmers and agripreneurs who are ready for modern agriculture, equipped with innovation, technology, and an entrepreneurial mindset,” Tiu Laurel said.
Besides the competition, the delegation also met with Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo Macaraig to discuss the global competitiveness of Philippine agriculture. (PNA)
