Young man from Benguet is 2023 National Young Farmers’ Challenge winner

Baguio City, Philippines – A young man from Benguet ranked number one in the 2023 National Young Farmers’ Challenge (YFC) 2023 Upscale category, besting 15 other contenders in the competition.

The Upscale category of said program is dedicated to previous YFC awardees to continue, improve, and upscale the operation of their existing agri-fishery enterprise through additional start-up capital.

Shawnie Dhale Bitso of Tuba, Benguet, the owner of Sanagi Agri-Tourism Farm, a farm involved in mushroom production participated in 2021, but did not make it to the national round.

He joined anew last year, where he was able to excel in his business model canvas pitch held at the Development Academy of the Philippines in Tagaytay City, Cavite last December.

His enterprise excelled in creativity and innovation, performance, social responsibility, business viability and business sustainability and was graded 92.34 percent – the highest among the top five.

With his win, Bisto, according to the Department of Agriculture is entitled of a P500,000 cash grant which he can utilize in expanding his enterprise.

In a statement, Bisto said becoming a recipient of the award gave him a sense of achievement.

“It serves as a beacon aligning our agri-enterprise vision and mission with the goals of the Department of Agriculture. Together, we strive to address concerns related to food insecurity, promote sustainable practices, and support the growth of young farmers,” he remarked.

Meantime, Jerald Encollado hailing from Rizal, Kalinga also represented the region in another category of the competition.

Although he was not able to make it on the national level, Encollado said he is still grateful as he was able to join in the competition and represent his hometown, paving the way for him to start his agribusiness.

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