Young Farmers Open Letter Entry #13: Kaye Cee A. Arellaga, Philippines

I am Kaye Cee A. Arellaga, 19 years old, and the eldest among five siblings. I grew up under the custody of my grandparents and have learned to live independently.

I learned about agriculture when I became a member of the cooperative where I had an immersion process as part of the school requirements. I learned a lot from the cooperative, especially the underlying four principles in Organic Agriculture. The cooperative taught me that organic agriculture is synonymous with good governance.

Eventually, I have been appointed as secretary of the cooperative. I learned how to do the minutes of the meeting, make resolutions, and manage other matters pertaining to the affairs of the cooperative. I do some farming activities, too.

As a young farmer, I believe that our government must ensure budget allocation for young farmers to be utilized for education, technological innovation, as well as extension work to revive agriculture in the country.

Kaye Cee A. Arellaga
Philippines