TABACO CITY—In a time when agriculture is often overlooked, a young farmer from the village of Pinagbobong, Tabaco City, is standing out. Wilfredo Bonaobra Jr., 21, carries a vision to bring hope back to farming in the Philippines.
Representing Tabaco City’s agriculture community on the national stage, Bonaobra won the Most Outstanding 4-H Member of the Philippines 2025 award during the 72nd 4-H National Farm Youth Convention in Alfonso, Cavite, last September 3 to 5.
Bonaobra told BicoldotPH he didn’t expect to win. Competing with professionals and successful farm entrepreneurs made him doubt his chances. But he had one goal—to raise farmers’ voices and inspire young people to value farming.
“As the first Bicolano to get this award, I am proud and thankful. This victory is not just mine—it belongs to my family, my community, and the whole Bicol region,” he said.
Starting Out in Farming
His love for farming began in his hometown, where agriculture is the community’s way of life. Growing up, he saw farmers’ daily challenges like rough weather, scarce resources, and long hours. He also saw the joy of working the land and feeding others.
Inspired by hard-working parents, Bonaobra helped on their farm from a young age, gaining hands-on experience planting crops, raising pigs, and managing a fishpond. These sparked his passion for farming.
He found out that the 4-H Club—a youth organization focused on farming, leadership, and community service—was inactive in Tabaco City. Seeing a chance to make a difference, he decided to bring it back.
“Even before joining, I was already doing small environmental projects in my community. Joining 4-H gave me a bigger platform,” he said.
Helping the Community
After joining 4-H, Bonaobra made many achievements. He wrote the Local Youth Development Plan for LYDO Tabaco, which the Sangguniang Kabataan in 47 barangays will use to keep agriculture a priority in youth programs.
Under his leadership, the 4-H Club grew stronger. He revived it, grew its membership, and started new chapters. This gave more young people access to chances in farming, leadership, and community service.
“It’s not just about me—it’s about helping all 4-H members find their strength,” he said.
He also created iFarm, a digital app connecting farmers directly to markets, cutting waste and getting better prices.
The app teaches digital skills using a “child-to-parent” method: young people learn to use technology first, then help their parents. This helps families work together in farming.
“iFarm is more than an app. It empowers farmers, lowers risks, and shows that farming can grow with technology,” Bonaobra said. He plans to launch it publicly soon.
Changing How Youth See Farming
Bonaobra’s projects helped young people see farming as a space for new ideas, leadership, and sustainability—not just hard labor.
His “child-to-parent” digital teaching empowered youth to lead learning at home. More young people started gardens, joined training, and thought about farming careers.
“That change in thinking—that farming is a respected, future-ready choice—is the real success of my work,” he said.
Looking Ahead
Now nationally recognized, Bonaobra wants to keep pushing change. He’s drafting laws to create funded 4-H chapters in every barangay in Tabaco City and eventually the whole Albay Province. This will help more young people join farming.
He also plans to grow his poultry business and explore other food production, aiming to provide affordable, healthy food to Albayanos, while creating local jobs.
His success connects traditional farming with new ideas, helping farmers thrive today.
“I want young farmers to see that farming can be sustainable, profitable, and ready for the future,” he said.
Bonaobra says farming is more than work—it mixes science, business, and service. He encourages others to explore farming’s many chances with passion.
His story shows that with dedication, young people can make real change, lift communities, and build a better future.
“Don’t be afraid to start small. Even small projects can spark big changes,” Bonaobra said.| Hannah Franchezka Boragay
