Many people say that youth is the future of the nation—they have the ability to instill change in society and help in finding solutions to issues the world faces. The youth, in general, have the potential to improve the conditions in the country they live in, give voice to those who have none, and inspire possibilities for the betterment of society.
This potential is exactly what the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) wants to tap and utilize through its Young Forces for Agricultural Innovation (#Y4AGRI) program.
On August 12, in celebration of the United Nations International Youth Day, SEARCA launched the #Y4AGRI program which aims to “elevate the interest of young people to venture into and pursue careers in agriculture and allied fields.”
The program was presented by Sonny P. Pasiona, SEARCA Communications Associate on Partnerships and Youth Program Focal Person, during the SEARCA Online Learning and Virtual Engagement (SOLVE) webinar.
As the Philippines is known to be an agricultural country, initiatives that promote the youth’s involvement in this field are rather crucial. And with the #Y4AGRI program, SEARCA aims to do just that.
“#Y4AGRI is a platform for our young people to be heard, be engaged, and to be partners in attaining better, bigger, and smarter solutions for our farmers and farming families,” says Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio, SEARCA Director.
According to Dr. Gregorio, the #Y4AGRI program is actually a part of a five-year strategic plan which aims to strengthen the youth’s engagement in agricultural and rural development.
“To show our commitment to the younger generation, our strategic plan for the next five years put value on youth engagement in agricultural and rural development,” Dr. Gregorio says. “To all the youth, at SEARCA, you have your share in attaining agricultural transformation to our farmers and farming families.”
In line with the #Y4AGRI program, SEARCA launched a video contest that aims to showcase local food production amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Called “Youth COVIDeo Contest,” the competition runs with the theme “Youth and Locally Grown Food” and will accept submissions until September 11, Tuesday. Cash prizes await the top 3 winners and a tablet will be awarded to the crowd favorite or video entry that garners the most number of likes.
So what are you waiting for? Share the good news and promote Philippine agriculture today!