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

NEWS STORIES

PHilMech youth campaign gaining traction
by PHilMech communications group (November 18, 2020)
The “Youth for Mechanization (Y4M) Advocates” online campaign being conducted by the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) over its Facebook pages is gaining traction, demonstrating that the youth are appreciating the application of technologies like farm mechanization in improving crop production.

Under the campaign, PHilMech posts questions about mechanization that young people into farming or aspiring to be farmers answer with a selfie photo beside a farm machine of their choice.

“This online campaign of PHilMech using its Facebook pages is gaining feedback from millennials and Gen Zers, and this also shows that mechanization is one good way to attract more of the youth into farming,” said Engr. Aldrin E. Badua, head of the Applied Communications Division and Chief Science Research Specialist at PHilMech.

He added that PHilMech sees the potential of millennials and Gen Zers in helping the agency in assisting farmers adopt to online platforms for training and information dissemination.

“The youth of today are very up-to-date and highly adaptable to technologies, including the new ones. And we can explore a role for them to help educate and inform farmers on the latest technologies available to improve farm productivity, including online learning systems,” Engr. Badua explained.

So far, PHilMech has gotten very interesting and engaging answers from young people on the questions posted in its Facebook page for the Youth 4 Mechanization Advocates campaign.

The two questions posted so far are: 1. “As a youth, how does rice machines/mechanization change the way you think about agriculture?”; and 2. “As a young person, if you would be given a chance by the government and fund your idea, what kind of mechanization-related project you would suggest to bring back the interest of youth into agriculture?”

The first question has gained 9.6K reach and 1.2K engagement while the second question has 39.3K reach and 3.8K post engagement based on the DA-PHilMech page analytics.

For the first batch of advocates, DA-PHilMech page featured 15 answers with their selfie photos. They are Alpha Rosanes from Bataan, Engr. Cloie Ann Cabiguen of Palawan, Liezel Pinkihan of Nueva Vizcaya, Ryan Escuadro of Negros Occidental, Jean Tado of Agusan del Norte, Erjhon Dinglasan of Cavite, Mia Basilio of Ilocos Norte, Mary Madrio of Misamis Occidental, John Majesterio of Laguna, Dimple Durias of Leyte, Nica Macabale II of Nueva Ecija, Dominiku David of Mabalacat, Pampanga, Ariel Langcauon of Albay, and Gizelle Cantavieja of Laguna.

“Integrating mechanization to traditional rice farming practices allowed myself to view farming not just fun and enjoyable but most importantly rewarding and fulfilling. The idea that I get to have fun while working, greatly enticed my willingness to be involved in this modernization,” said Langcauon.