Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Philippine Center for Postharvest
Development and Mechanization
CLSU Compound, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija

NEWS STORIES

Y4M boot camp converts more youth into advocates
by Jett Molech G. Subaba (April 16, 2026)
Enticing. Exciting. Experiential. These capture the collective experiences of the student delegates who attended the Youth for Mechanization (Y4M) Boot Camp held at the PHilMech main office on April 14-15.

A total of 82 senior high school students from the Central Luzon State University - Agricultural Science and Technology School (CLSU-ASTS) participated in this two-day event, which aimed to provide delegates with hands-on learning experiences to enhance their appreciation of agricultural mechanization.

During the event, Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr., expressed his support for the Y4M program and highlighted the vital role of youth in agriculture.

“By being here, you’re not just learning skills; you are joining a movement that is shaping the future of food and farming in our country,” Secretary Tiu Laurel Jr. stated.

Additionally, Director Dionisio G. Alvindia encouraged the delegates to pursue agricultural courses in college, finish their education, and become agripreneurs for a prosperous future.

He also emphasized the need for parents to change the narrative surrounding agriculture and to instill positive attitudes about it in their children.

The boot camp provided delegates with a rich experience that included short lectures, hands-on use of rice production machinery, drone demonstrations, photo and essay competitions, group games, campfire activities, and a concept pitching contest designed to unleash their creative ideas for promoting Y4M further.

Delegates praised the event for enhancing their appreciation of agriculture as a modern and innovative field, transforming them into advocates for Y4M. They also expressed their eagerness to volunteer for future Y4M activities to engage more youth like them.

The Y4M program aims to rebrand the image of agriculture among youth and mobilize them into a skilled workforce in mechanization for the sector, which will help secure the food supply and future of the country.