THE Bayanihan sa Agrikultura Para sa Kabatan-onan, Kaumahan, ug Katubigan (BAKA) program is bringing together young farmers in Cagayan de Oro City to establish a sustainable future for the region.
By providing agro-fishery and business opportunities, the program aims to empower both youth and communities.
The Bayanihan sa Agrikultura Para sa Kabatan-onan, Kaumahan, ug Katubigan (BAKA) program in Cagayan de Oro City is making a significant impact on the community by empowering young farmers and providing agro-fishery and business opportunities.
This program has garnered recognition from the 4th Philippine Sangguniang Kabataan Awards, where the Oro Youth Development Office (OYDO) was named one of the national awardees for the 'Top 25 Outstanding Local Youth Development Office Award.'
This recognition highlights the success of the BAKA program and its positive impact on the youth and communities in the region.
The OYDO's dedication to youth development and support for the BAKA program has undoubtedly contributed to their well-deserved recognition.
This recognition highlights the efforts and progress made by Local Youth Development Offices (LYDO) throughout the country in advancing the interests of youth at the local level and strengthening the foundation for national development.
Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy's administration is proud to have the OYDO receive this award, which will be presented at the 'Youth in Good Governance Fair' in Iloilo City on June 12th.
“This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of the OYDO team in promoting the welfare and development of the youth in their community,” said Cagayan De Oro City Mayor's Chief of Staff Shiela Lumbatan.
Oro young Farmers’ BAKA gears up for agro-fishery and business
On October 19-23, 2021, BAKA program has successfully concluded its 5-day Agro-Fishery and Business camp at Fergber Organic Farming Inc. and City’s Emergency Operations Center from.
The program aims to engage more Kagay-anon youth in agriculture and fisheries, and 17 young farmers from different barangays in Cagayan de Oro City have completed the camp.
Prior to the camp, the participants underwent Virtual Servant Leadership Training on August 26-28, to enhance their leadership skills as young farmers and kick off their BAKA journey.
“The five-day camp was designed to equip the BAKAs with knowledge and skills on agro-fishery,” Lumbatan said, adding, as well as training on business planning in the latter part of the program.
The first three days of the BAKA Camp were held at Fergber Organic Farming Inc., an agricultural learning site located in Bayabas, Cagayan de Oro.
The participants were exposed to various farming techniques, including organic farming, livestock raising, and fishery.
They also had the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities such as planting and harvesting crops.
The last two days of the BAKA Camp were held at the City’s Emergency Operations Center, where the participants underwent training on business planning.
They learned various business concepts and strategies, such as market analysis, product development, and financial management.
The training aimed to equip the BAKAs with the necessary skills to establish their own agro-fishery businesses.
According to Lumbatan, the success of the BAKA program and the five-day camp is a testament to the dedication of the program organizers and the participants.
“It is hoped that the BAKAs will use their newfound knowledge and skills to contribute to the growth of the agriculture and fisheries industry in Cagayan de Oro City,” Lumbatan said.
BAKAs Gain Valuable Knowledge on Agro-Fishery and Value-Adding Techniques
During the first day of the BAKA Camp held at the new branch of Fergber Integrated Organic Farm Inc. in Upper Palalan, Lumbia, CDO, Fernando “Nanding” Bermoy, the farm owner, shared his expertise on turmeric, peanut, and concoction production.
He also discussed various ways to process and add value to these crops, providing the BAKAs with valuable insights on agro-fishery.
The camp also focused on aquaculture, with Bermoy giving a lecture on how to venture into Aqua Tilapia and Giant Hito Production.
A hands-on activity on fish pen making followed, supplementing the BAKAs’ learning on the subject.
In addition, the BAKAs underwent a hands-on activity on Turmeric and Peanut Planting, which took place at the same farm.
Later, they attended a training workshop on Free-Range Chicken Production and Feeds Preparation at Colina de Feliciana in Lumbia, CDO, with Aljon Arbonida, a resource person from the said learning site.
BAKA participants learn the Importance of decision-making in business planning
Feliciana Dongay, the owner of Colina de Feliciana, emphasized the importance of good decision-making in agro-fishery and value-adding techniques. With the knowledge and skills gained from the BAKA Camp, the participants can use these insights to make informed decisions in their future agro-fishery endeavors.
Overall, the BAKA Camp provided the participants with valuable hands-on activities and training workshops, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of agro-fishery and value-adding techniques.
The program's success is a testament to the organizers' commitment to promoting the growth of the agriculture and fisheries industry in Cagayan de Oro City.
The last two days of the BAKA Camp were held at the City’s Emergency Operations Center, where Leon Paraguya, a young agri-preneur from Bukidnon, shared his personal success story and career journey to inspire the BAKAs in their business-mind setting.
APOO Agribusiness Development/Baka Agribusiness Coordinator Rona Sahonlay introduced the Business Proposal Making (Business Model Canvas), while Marvin Pamisa, faculty of XU Development Communication Department, discussed Project Pitching 101.
On the final day of the BAKA Camp, the participants had the opportunity to pitch their respective business proposals for their chosen agro-enterprises before a panel.
The panelists included APOO Community Development Division Chief Ruth T. Abellanosa, DepEd Senior Bookkeeper Hanz Diamla, and Joshua Jones Waban of JCI Kagayhaan Gold.
The pitch session was a culmination of the five-day program, where the BAKAs showcased their newfound knowledge and skills in agro-fishery and business planning.
The program's success lies in its ability to equip the participants with the necessary tools to establish their own agro-fishery businesses and contribute to the growth of the agriculture and fisheries industry in Cagayan de Oro City.
Following the training, the 17 business plans developed by the BAKAs will be put into action in their respective barangays, with the support of the office of the then, 1st District Rep. Rolando Uy. As a result of this partnership, the BAKAs have received backing to realize their own business ideas, along with a cash grant for each participant.
The first group of BAKAs was scheduled to begin their endeavors in the first quarter of 2022.
The BAKAs expressed their gratitude for the training and the opportunity provided to them, with beneficiary Rica stating, "It was very interesting and I'm blessed to have learned so much. I know I can achieve it."
Another BAKA, Annie, expressed her appreciation for the agriculture sector, saying "it can help us in every way, especially for our health."
The training was organized by the Agricultural Productivity Operations Office (APOO), Oro Youth Development Office (OYDO), and the Oro Youth Development Council (OYDC), who worked together to make it happen.
Earlier, the BAKA program was launched in 2023 as a joint effort between the city government's Agriculture Productivity Office and the OYDO.
Its primary objective is to boost youth participation in agriculture and provide a platform for young agri-preneurs to develop their skills.
To date, the program has supported 20 promising youth agri-preneurs, with successful enterprises that can be replicated.
Mayor Uy initiated the BAKA program as part of the city's economic recovery plan. In recognition of its achievements, the Ten Accomplished Youth Organization (TAYO) has awarded the BAKA program in 2023.
