Tarlac Governor Susan Yap expressed concern over the aging population of Filipino farmers, with the average age now at 55 to 59, he oldest in ASEAN, which she warned poses a threat to national food security.
She urged the youth to pursue agriculture, noting the availability of modern farming courses and international support programs like Israel’s Mashav internship.
Yap highlighted Tarlac’s proactive response through its “Pagkain Muna” program and the Farm Mechanization Program launched in 2016, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture.
Over 946 units of farm machinery have been distributed, and 622 farmers’ groups have been assisted in modernizing and boosting productivity.
The DA also selected Tarlac to host the country’s first Mobile Soil Laboratory, further enhancing agricultural innovation in the province.
Source: PhilNews24 | April 16, 2025
