#YoungFarmerAwardees I Two enterprises developed by the young farmers of Region XII emerged victorious in the ongoing Kick-off and National Awarding Ceremony for Young Farmers’ Challenge at the Crop Biotechnology Center, Philippine Rice Research Institute in Nueva Ecija.
Coco Chill, owned by Mr. Edwin C. Gonzales, Jr., from Norala, South Cotabato bested other contingents in the 2023 National Start-up Award – Processing Category. Mr. Gonzales received a cash prize of P300,000.
On the other hand, MagRice App, developed by Mr. Joseph B. Malantao, Mr. Khester Gabe F. Odango, and Ms. Patrisha Joyce V. Manalo, all hailed from Alabel, Sarangani, claimed the second place in the 2023 National Start-up Award – Digital Agriculture Category. The group was awarded with P300,000.
Other national finalists from Region XII include: Denz Bert P. Deramos (Sikap Coffee from Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat) under the Production Category; and Melvin R. Awid (UF Vanille Spices from Maitum, Sarangani) under the Upscale Category.
Mr. Adlin Joey B. Almencion (Bluetail Aqua Farm from Polomolok, South Cotabato; and Ms. Ylaine Joyce B. Giangan (Macoff from Makilala, Cotabato) completed the list of young farmer-contenders from the region.
Congratulations, Ka-Agri!
Photos by DA-RFO XII – AMAD
