PRESS RELEASE | PR-228-2026
SINGAPORE, 13 July 2026 – The Department of Agriculture (DA), through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service, in partnership with the Republic Polytechnic (RP) Singapore, organized the Filipino Young Farmers Immersion on Agribusiness and Technology Incubation Program from 6 to 10 July 2026 in Singapore.
The program brought together seventeen (17) dynamic agribusiness startups hailing from diverse regions across the Philippines who won the DA’s Young Farmer’s Challenge (YFC) 2026, a nationwide competition that supports innovative agri-ventures.
On 10 July, the agri-preneurs, together with Philippine Agricultural Attaché for Southeast Asia, Ms. Annalyn L. Lopez-Jamora and participating DA officials Mr. John Romar Pedrigal (Central Office), Ms. Vivian N. Doroja (Central Office), Ms. Marlet Bagtang (Central Office), Mr. Abdulkadil Ango (Region XII), Ms. May Anne Tuba-ang (CAR) and Mr. Meljhon H. Docejo (Region IV-B), paid a courtesy call on Philippine Ambassador Medardo G. Macaraig.
During the meeting, the participants shared their experiences, insights, and reflections from the five-day immersion at RP. The program featured lectures on agriculture and AI, food safety and traceability, cold chain excellence, and the agrifood ecosystem between the Philippines and Singapore. The participants also engaged in facility visits to deepen their understanding of modern agribusiness practices.
The young agri-preneurs also had an opportunity to further strengthen their entrepreneurial capabilities through pitch training, coaching sessions, and direct interactions with startup founders in Singapore.
Agriculture Attaché Lopez-Jamora reaffirmed the DA’s commitment to supporting promising agri-preneurs through the YFC, a competitive grant program designed to empower young Filipinos with innovative agricultural ventures.
Ambassador Macaraig expressed his appreciation for the participants’ innovations and encouraged them to apply sustainable and forward-looking practices learned from their immersion in Singapore. He emphasized the Philippine government’s strong support for the new generation of farmers, who represent the future of Philippine agriculture. /END
Young Farmer’s Challenge Participants:
Ms. Jomarie M. Bangeg – MAFAMCI Agri Products OPC (CAR)
Ms. Lopemae Hana B. Bautista – Perr-Res! Fruits Food Product Processing (Region I)
Mr. Elyan Dave S. Tuaan and Ms. Princess Ivy G. Dotimas – The North Brew: Barista Bites (Region II)
Ms. Kristin Angela Yap – L’ Reinvente – (Region III)
Mr. Dexter F. Magalona – Dexprobiotics Agricultural and Poultry Supply (Region III)
Mr. Jeck D. Iyas and Ms. Ma. Regina S. Patungan – Hiyas Urban Mushroom Farm (Region IV-A – CALABARZON)
Ms. Jeriza Kristine D. Page – NutriPage Food Products Trading (Region IV-B- MIMAROPA)
Mr. Don Mark L. De La Cruz – Egginear Agri-Poultry Solutions (Region IV-B- MIMAROPA)
Mr. David Dean Guarte – Tabuc Agricultural Farm (Region IV)
Mr. Kyle Matthew P. Fernandez – Ferncrest Dairy Farm (Region VI)
Ms. Cherrie May A. Ferrer – Cher Cacao Products Manufacturing (Region NIR)
Mr. Rogeliano A. Cenita – Blucrust Processed Food Manufacturing (Region VII)
Mr. Gerbie N. Biolango – Beggrow Integrated Farm (Region IX)
Mr. Denz Bert Parcon Deramos – Sikap Coffee Enterprise (Region XII)
Mr. Edwin C. Gonzales, Jr. – Coco Chill Processing (Region XII)
