For decades, a persistent stigma has overshadowed the agricultural sector, framing farming as backbreaking and low-income work. Phrases like “mainitan ug mangitom ta” (It’s hot, we’ll turn dark), and concerns about “mahugawan” (getting dirty) have driven a wedge between the youth and the soil, steering many towards digital screens. While these traditional stigmas have led many young people to look for paths outside the field, a new wave of Dabawenyo youth leaders refused to be boxed in by old fear.
Seeking to dismantle decades of stigma that characterize farming as arduous and unprofitable, the Davao City Agriculturists Office (CAgrO) and the 4H Club City Federation are launching initiatives to position agriculture as a vital career path for the youth.
Beverly Grace S. Hernandez, Agricultural Technologist of CAgrO and 4H Club City Federation Coordinator told the City Information Office (CIO) that food security begins with farming activities and with the immense energy of the youth, farming can be elevated to strengthen food security and secure a sustainable future for the city.
“Food comes from the soil. Food comes from farming activities and you cannot depend solely on the supply of other areas, other provinces. We have to be self-sufficient and self-reliant. Hinaot ma change ang paradigm sa mga bata nga dirty or there’s no money, mainit and they would rather go to gadgets. Maopen sad ang ilahang mind ba nga farming is very important and ang energy pod sa youth is taas pa gyud kaayo so why not we will use that one para mas mapataas pa nato ang atoang food security (Food comes from the soil. Food comes from farming activities, and you cannot depend solely on the supply from other areas or provinces. We have to be self-sufficient and self-reliant. Hopefully, the mindset of the youth will change that farming is dirty, that there’s no money in it, that it’s too hot, and they would rather turn to gadgets. Their minds should be opened to see that farming is very important. The energy of the youth is still very strong, so why not use that to further strengthen our food security),” she said.
This year’s initiatives include farm tours, youth camps, sports activities, and community outreach, where several youth have already explored key agricultural hubs across the Marilog, Tugbok, and Calinan districts. They are also exposed to honeybee farming at Honea Bee Farms in Catigan, as well as site visits to coconut manufacturing facilities that demonstrate how the versatile crop can be transformed into diverse, profitable by-products.
Beyond tours, CAgrO actively rolls out specialized agricultural trainings and technical support. The office distributes tilapia and catfish fingerlings to youth with existing fish ponds, while crop seedlings and specialized training modules, covering pest management, Cacao, Durian, and vegetable production, remain readily available upon request for any interested youth organization or individuals at their respective district offices.
Hernandez added that they have partnerships with schools such as YMCA High School in Bangkas Heights, where a simple school yard has been transformed into a thriving Gulayan sa Paaralan (School Vegetable Garden) and students are trained in vegetable gardening.
“Basically, isa gyud sa mga ways para ma engage ang mga bata is through farm exposure because through that experience na gihatag sailaha mas ma appreciate nila sa kung unsa ang naa sa agriculture (Basically, one of the ways to engage children is through farm exposure because through that experience given to them, they will appreciate more what agriculture has to offer),” she added.
Alanodin I. Sali, President of 4H Club City Federation also said their annual encampment serves as a vibrant gathering to empower young Dabawenyo farmers. The event introduces modern farming techniques like digital farming and guides participants on how to access CAgrO’s free training programs.
“Daghan kaayo og pwede ma explore sa agriculture ug ang youth man gud karon is very ka innovative. Daghan kaayo sila og ideas. Para ang atoang kabatanonan karon we will use their talents and skills para ma engage sila into agriculture ug para mas ma appreciate nila nga gamit gyud diay ang agricultural sector (There are so many things to explore in agriculture, and the youth nowadays are very innovative. They have so many ideas. So that our youth today can use their talents and skills to engage in agriculture and to better appreciate the importance of the agricultural sector),” he added.
For the current 436 members of the federation, global success is no longer just a far-off dream, it is a proven path. The group’s past president stands as an example where after finishing a farming internship in Japan, he returned home to implement advanced global agricultural techniques in Davao City. Today, the local federation also celebrates the three international achievers who recently returned from training in Taiwan and Japan.
The fields of the city are no longer just about mud and sweat, they are spaces for innovation, leadership, and global pathways. Sali urged Dabawenyo youth to step forward, and ensure that agriculture continues to thrive as a source of life and progress for generations to come.
“Dili nato walaon ang agriculture because that is our source of life. Agriculture can be another source of income especially young professionals. It’s a long-term investment ang farm. It doesn’t mean nga naa ta sa agriculture, mainitan, mangitom ta or whatever negative nga gihuna huna. Agriculture is worth it to explore ug dako kaayo og contribution ang agriculture sa atoang society. We should never underestimate the power of a farmer. Ayaw mo kahadlok mu engage into agriculture kay sa atoa kabatan’onan naa sa atoa ang hope sa nation and we need to keep agriculture alive (We must not abandon agriculture because it is our source of life. Agriculture can be another source of income, especially for young professionals. A farm is a long-term investment. Being in agriculture does not mean you will just get sunburned, dark-skinned, or face whatever negative perceptions people may have. Agriculture is worth exploring, and its contribution to our society is immense. We should never underestimate the power of a farmer. Do not be afraid to engage in agriculture, because within our youth lies the hope of the nation, and we need to keep agriculture alive),” he added.
Local youth organizations and interested individuals are encouraged to connect with their respective district offices to avail themselves of technical trainings, seedlings, and fingerlings dispersal programs. CIO
Written by: N. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal