ALABEL, Sarangani -- Governor Rogelio "Ruel" Pacquiao has again demonstrated his dedication to fostering the skills of Sarangani’s young farmers by personally awarding financial support of P20,000 to each of the six provincial winners of the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Start-Up of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The event took place on March 18 at the Governor's Office in the Provincial Capitol building in Alabel, Sarangani Province.

Pacquiao said that the monetary aid will significantly augment the recipients’ agricultural endeavors, thereby ensuring their sustained growth and viability. 

“The Provincial Government is fully committed to supporting our young farmers. We are eagerly looking forward to the further development of their agricultural enterprises with the backing of our local and national governments. The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) is keenly observing how they can be further assisted,” Pacquiao expressed.

The six YFC awardees are Carl Jade Tangge from Barangay Alegria in Alabel with his CJ’s Coco Flour; Kris Jen Dela Torre from Barangay Lumasal in Maasim with her Kwatro Maria’s Cacao Products; and Joey Tusan from Barangay Datal Anggas in Alabel with his JT’s Abakape Fiber Farm.

Other provincial winners also include Lennon Omas from Barangay Poblacion in Kiamba with his Chicharon de Kalabasa; Phoebe Patrimonio from Barangay Kalaong in Maitum with her Totococo Food Products; and Joseph Malantao, Patrisha Joyce Manalo, and Khester Gabe Odango from Barangay Ladol in Alabel with their Magrice App.

“We are grateful for this opportunity because we can showcase our skills and our passions. We are thankful that the provincial government is helping us to achieve our dreams,” said Phoebe Patrimonio.

“This assistance is beneficial for us. Specifically in my situation, I plan to allocate the funds towards expanding my agricultural area,” expressed Joey Tusan.

Engr. Agnes Du, OIC Provincial Agriculturist, accompanied by her staff member, Inocencio Morales, 2023 YFC Regional Winner Melvin Awid, and Provincial Administrator Ryan Jay Ramos, also witnessed the distribution of financial aid. 

Last year, the six agripreneurs each received a check amounting to P80,000 from the DA-Region 12, serving as start-up capital for their respective enterprises. In addition, Governor Pacquiao pledged supplementary support of P20,000 for each of them.

The DA's YFC is a competitive financial grant assistance program that aims to support, encourage, and empower the youth to engage in new and meaningful agri-fishery enterprises in their respective communities. (Genory Vanz Alfasain/Voice of the Youth Network/PIO Sarangani/PIA SarGen)