A student-led agricultural technology venture from Mindoro State University (MinSU) has clinched the top award in the inter-collegiate category of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Young Farmers Challenge (YFC), securing ₱250,000 and a chance to compete at the national level in General Santos City.
MINA DE ORO Drone Agri-Tech Services (MDAS), representing MinSU emerged as the inter-collegiate winner, earning the distinction of representing the MIMAROPA Region in the national competition.
The team, composed of Jayvie Engrede M. Valiente, Alex V. Equias and Prinz Keanne Escototo, secured the recognition through its agricultural business venture, adding to the growing efforts of young entrepreneurs to bring technology and innovation into the farming sector.
The DA’s Young Farmers Challenge is a youth entrepreneurship program designed to encourage young Filipinos to pursue agriculture and agribusiness. It provides financial assistance, mentoring and business development opportunities to help turn innovative agricultural ideas into viable enterprises.
MDAS received guidance and mentorship from MinSU’s Innovation, Business, and Incubation for Business Enterprises and Startups (i-BIBES) in preparing for the competition. The assistance included developing and refining its pitch deck and preparing for the pitching presentation, helping the team organize its business concept and communicate its proposal more effectively to the judges.
With the regional title secured, MDAS now moves to the national competition, where it will present its venture alongside other young agricultural entrepreneurs from across the country. (jdtdc)
Field correspondents | James Gullon & Carpel Sweet Dream Lanto
Photo courtesy | MinSU i-BIBES
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