Nine young innovators from Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) are bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world agribusiness after securing top honors in the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) 2026. Three teams composed of university alumni and graduating Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship (BSE) students were named Provincial Awardees in the initiative’s Startup Category.
Each awarded enterprise will receive an ₱80,000 startup financial grant designed to serve as crucial seed capital. The funds will enable the young agripreneurs to establish and scale their proposed business models, transitioning their concepts from academic exercises into operational ventures. Beyond direct financial assistance, the YFC framework equips these young business leaders with access to development support, mentorship, and commercialization pathways to strengthen the regional agricultural value chain.
Leading the EVSU roster is Bytala Ventures in their Abaca follicle gloss, based in Brgy. Opong, Tolosa, Leyte. Founded by BSE graduates Jesalyn A. Martinez, Suzanne Claire C. Ramirez, and Ma. Sophia Veronica R. Tablan.
Joining the alumni are two teams of fourth-year BSE students who are turning classroom assignments into active ventures before completing their degrees. The group Toarkz in their stain removal product taken from the sour juice ingredient of calamansi fruit represented by Kurt S. Arante, Ma. Theresa P. Albano, and Zaelou Z. Rosales of Brgy. Sagkahan, Jaro, Leyte, secured an award alongside Daily Green with their authentic mixed vegetable balls product, composed of seniors Nikki Marie J. Esperas, John Paul O. Dacuital, and Raphael Vic V. Martinez.
“At first po talaga, we just think of utilizing authentic ingredients from our garden nga pwedi himuon healthier version hin food until na overwhelmed nala kami nga dako pa ngayan it iya potential especially han na introduce hiya ha Young Farmers Challenge with DA.” Daily Green group underscored in an interview.
On the other hand, as Bytala Ventures, Toarkz, and Daily Green prepare to launch their respective enterprises, their achievements offer a model for incoming students, proving that academic training can directly fuel local economic growth and build a more resilient agricultural sector.
The accomplishment advances key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, led by SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by driving rural youth employment and local food security; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; SDG 1: No Poverty, and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Via Jaime Gravador | UMDC
