ROMEO H. Yapit Jr., a BS Agriculture student, was chosen one of the young farmer delegates to the International 4-H Youth Exchange Program with Korea, July 27 - Aug. 23.  The news was officially relayed to President Miriam E. Pascua in a letter sent by Atty. Cipriano G. Santiago, Region 1 director of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Currently in Korea, Mr. Yapit takes part in the everyday life of four to five different Korean farm families and will have the chance to participate in Korean agricultural undertakings and 4-H activities.

A native of Sinait, Ilocos Sur, Yapit received from then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo the 2009 National Gawad Saka Outstanding Young Farmer Award administered by the Department of Agriculture.  He is also currently a scholar of the Agricultural Training Institute.

With his perseverance, skills, and positive attitude, the young farmer was able to transform his 8,000-square meter farm into a productive agricultural enterprise planted with rice, corn, and assorted vegetables such as pole sitao, tomato, onion, and watermelon.

In 2008, he earned a gross income of more than P340,000 from his various farm ventures.  He also raises hogs, goats, native chickens, and ducks for additional income.

As an organic farming advocate, Romy takes part in the campaign for organic farming. As a model, he makes his own organic fertilizers and fungicides and uses them in his farm.

4-H, a group present in over 80 countries, aims to develop citizenship, leadership, and life skills of the youth through experiential learning programs. Though typically thought of as an agriculturally focused organization as a result of its history, 4-H today focuses on citizenship, healthy living, science, engineering, and technology programs.

The 4-H motto is “To make the best better”, while its slogan is “Learn by doing” (sometimes written as “Learn to do by doing”).