LGU-Bilar, Bohol to institutionalize DA's MAYA program

Geared towards achieving food security amid this health crisis, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Bilar, Bohol has issued Executive Order institutionalizing the Department of Agriculture's (DA) Mentoring and Atrracting the Youth in Agriculture (MAYA) program.

Bilar Mayor Manuel Jayectin signed the EO No.15 series of 2020 on June 7, 2020 to address the food production issues besetting country during this covid-19 crisis.

The MAYA program espoused by DA Secretary William Dar encourages the active participation of the youth in directing the affairs of the agriculture sector in their respective local community.

Specific objectives of the institutionalization of the MAYA program in Bilar, Bohol include the inculcation of the love and values of agriculture among the youngs of the said town and the implementation of the wholesome and socially-responsive development programs that will create economic opportunities for the youths.
The EO stated that incentives will be given to those participating the program in the form of cash-for-work, and educational assistance, among others.
Department of Agriculture 7 (DA7) Regional Executive Director Atty. Salvador Diputado expressed his gratitude to the LGU-Bilar under the leadership of Mayor Jayectin for this very important and timely initiative.
"This is a very welcome development for the agriculture sector especially that majority of our farmers now are ageing. Through this institutionalization of MAYA, the youths' role in rural development will now be strengthened, as has been emphasized by Secretary William Dar," Diputado said.
He stressed that the DA and the Agricultural Training Institute will provide the necessary skills trainings to prepare the youth in this program.
Diputado exhorted other LGUs in Central Visayas to follow suit.