News Details

DA-CAR Inspires Children to Embrace Agriculture, Securing the Future of Food Sustainability

NPO

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November 22, 2025

BAGUIO CITY — The Department of Agriculture–Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-CAR) is strengthening its push to inspire the next generation to take interest in agriculture, believing that exposing children early to food production is vital to sustaining the nation’s food security.

“We are celebrating Children’s Month, and we know how important children are to the country. That’s why we invited you here — to show you where your food comes from and how it is produced,” said Dr. Aida Pagtan, Gender and Development (GAD) focal person of DA-CAR, during a site visit of Grades 5 and 6 students from Pinsao Elementary School at the Bureau of Plant and Industry on Thursday.

Pagtan, also a social worker, emphasized that teaching children essential agricultural knowledge allows them to appreciate food and understand the hard work behind farming.

“By exposing them to agriculture while they are young, they will appreciate the food placed on the table and avoid wasting it because they have seen how difficult it is to produce,” she said.
She added that early exposure may also encourage children to try gardening, growing vegetables, or caring for food animals.

Recent data from the Registry System for Basic Agriculture (RSBSA) shows a positive trend: the average age of farmers in the Cordillera has dropped to 45 years old, a significant improvement from the previous national average of 57. DA-CAR sees this as proof that more youth are becoming involved in agriculture.

DA-Cordillera Director Atty. Jennilyn Dawayan said youth-oriented programs continue to grow, including the Young Farmers Challenge, which has attracted more young participants interested in producing or processing food.

Schools are also helping build agricultural interest through the “Gulayan sa Paaralan” program and 4H Clubs (Head, Heart, Hands, Health), designed to encourage students to practice farming and consider agriculture-related courses. A professor from Benguet State University even described modern agriculture as becoming “sexier,” driven by new skills and opportunities in agri-entrepreneurship.

Pinsao Elementary School teacher Jovelita Bugtong said their school integrates hands-on exposure into subjects like TLE and EPP by letting students manage the school greenhouse and vegetable garden.

During the visit, students eagerly shared what they learned — from grafting techniques, to discovering that sand can be used as a medium to grow seedlings, to seeing different varieties and colors of tomatoes for the first time.

Through continuous education, exposure, and empowerment, DA-CAR hopes to build a new generation of young Filipinos who value agriculture, ensuring a stronger and more sustainable future for the nation’s food supply.

NPO News Team | PNA–PR