The Kalipunan ng Maliliit na Magniniyog ng Pilipinas (KAMMPIL) actively participated in the First Asia-Pacific Young Farmers’ Camp and Agrilympics (YFCA), held from August 12-16, 2024, at the University of the Philippines, Los Baños, Laguna. The five-day event, organized by the Asian Farmers’ Association (AFA), the International Cooperative Alliance Asia and Pacific (ICA-AP), and the Philippine Farmers Organization (PFO), aimed to attract and strengthen youth engagement in agricultural development across the region.
The YFCA provided a platform for young farmers to engage in meaningful discussions, skill-building activities, and networking opportunities, fostering an enabling environment for the youth to continue participating in agriculture. The event commenced with a vibrant parade of nations and the ceremonial lighting of the cauldron, symbolizing unity and the spirit of cooperation among the delegates.
Throughout the camp, KAMMPIL played a crucial role in facilitating the Agrilympics, an exciting competition designed to test the skills and knowledge of young farmers. The Agrilympics, held on the first day, highlighted the talents of participants in various agricultural challenges through games, promoting camaraderie and the exchange of best practices among the delegates.
The event drew participants from across the Asia-Pacific region, including the Pacific Islands and East, Central, South, and Southeast Asia. Delegates were selected based on a set of criteria, ensuring that the most promising young farmers from each region were represented.
The camp concluded with a closing ceremony and a tourism day, allowing participants to explore the local culture and environment, further enriching their experience. The success of the First Asia-Pacific Young Farmers’ Camp and Agrilympics highlighted the importance of youth involvement in agriculture and set the stage for future initiatives aimed at empowering the next generation of farmers.