The Department of Agriculture Western Visayas Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) program held an awarding at Zuri Hotel, Mandurriao, Iloilo City last September 13.
One of UNO – R’s Agriculture student, Aleksan Patricio, together with its faculty, Mr. Jessan Cabunsol won an award together with 80 youths around Western Visayas.
Their business Aleksan and Jessan Aquaponics and Greens(AJA&G) are among the 14 provincial winning enterprises of Negros Occidental.
“Becoming a part of the Top 80 awardees of young farmers challenge 2022 provincial level is so overwhelming. The project is very challenging especially for us since I’m still in college and my partner is a teacher. Its very hard to juggle our time and energy. But overall, it’s worth it. Truly young farmers challenge gave us a chance to pursue our dream, our vision to produce sustainable goods and to provide aquaponic services to the community,” Patricio stated in an interview.
“Also AJA&G would like to thank our mentors for their never ending support, Dr. Ma. Corazon G. Acaba, Dr. Armigenia O. Benedicto and Engr. Irish M. Tagapan. Thank you so much Young Farmers Challenge 2022! Padayon!” Patricio added.
For the establishment of their Business Concepts, the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division granted 52 individuals P50,000.00 each and 28 groups with P100,000.00.
Furthermore, Patricio and Cabunsol, together with the other winning participants, will vie for the regionals. Orientation for the regionals and seminar on branding principles in digital or social media presence were given along with the awarding.
Written by: Selwyn Roberth Bilbao
AgRecoletos 