6 Young Farmers Challenge winners in Kalinga granted agribiz start-up capital

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Six young agri-entrepreneurs in Kalinga were granted start-up capital for their proposed agri-fishery enterprise after winning the provincial search for Best Business Model Canvas of the Young Farmers Challenge 2023.

The competitive financial grant assistance program of the Department of Agriculture aimed at providing the youth access to capital to enable them to venture into profitable agri- fishery enterprises and strengthen their agri-entrepreneurship capabilities.

In 2022, the Solar-Powered Urban Fishery – High-Density Production Module of Cris Reshon T. Guiral from Bulanao, Tabuk City was granted P50,000 for winning at the provincial level; P150,000 at the regional level; and P300,000 for garnering the highest rating in the Production Category at the national level.

For this year, YCF Focal Person Harold Jhon Marcelino in the locality informed nine youths signified their interest in the challenge.

All farmer-aspirants presented their business model canvas and were evaluated by Princess Anne Dapeg, a private entrepreneur; Teresita Desay, Kalinga’s Assistant Provincial Agriculturist; and Jocelyn Beray, the Regional YFC Focal Person.

Each entry was judged based on innovativeness, viability, or potential to generate incomes comparable to incomes of salaried workers in urban areas, and sustainability.

Only six of the aspirants made it to the winning list at the provincial level.

The winners, as announced on Tuesday by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, include Jerald Encollado (JE Diary Farm) from Rizal town; Dare Dulawen (Dare's Kasla Farm) from Bulanao, Tabuk City; Janine Camtugan (Agbannawag Tail and Claw Farm) from Agnannawag, Tabuk City Youngin Tagpao (Tagpao’s Tilapyahan) from Tabuk City; Angelica Baraquio (Angel's Harvest Mushroom Farm) from Lanna, Tabuk City; and Rheden Jay Racraquin (Healthygrams Food Production) from Bulanao, Tabuk City.

Winning agri-entrepreneurs will get P80,000 each as start-up capital for the business venture.

According to Marcelino, the two best implementers will be chosen to represent the province at the regional level of the competition where they may win a P150,000 financial grant. Regional winners will advance to the national level where a P300,000 cash grant awaits.

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