TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI)- Regional Training Center conducted an interview on January 23 with the five potential entries for the Filipino Young Farmers Internship Program in Taiwan (FYFIPT).
These individuals who were initially qualified for the FYFIP are Reydan Omeccas and John Rey Pantuloc from Brgy. Cabaruan, Jovani Tabbu from Brgy. Bulanao, Giovanni Addatu and Nellie Magadang from Brgy. Nambucayan.
Noriebelle Salibad, the 4H Coordinator of the Office for the City Agricultural Services (OfCAS) explained that these three individuals, who are members of the 4H Club, have signified their intention to participate in the FYFIP, and passed the qualifying exam given by the OfCAS and DA-ATI, even making it to the list of top 10 examinees region wide.
Salibad said the interview was necessary to validate their accomplishments as members of the 4H Club, and to present the guidelines for the international internship.
The list of final beneficiaries for the FYFIP will be made public in March 2024. Those who make the list will be sent to the DA Central Office in April 2024 for a two-month intensive training program to familiarize them with the various farm machinery used in Taiwan and help them learn the language. This training will precede their 11-month internship, which begins in June.
The recipients can select what they believe will best benefit them from the production of vegetables, fruit, decorations, dairy and beef cattle, swine, mushrooms, and fisheries.
According to Veronica Siloy of DA-ATI, who oversaw the interview and validation process, 150 spots are being filled for the FYFIP in Taiwan by the DA Central Office.
The FYFIP in Taiwan is a partnership between Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines to enhance existing relations through the implementation of an Internship Program for qualified young Filipino farmers. It consists of the acquisition of skills and knowledge through the exchange of modern agricultural and fisheries techniques, marketing strategies and mechanisms, cooperative management, and enhancement of competencies, discipline, and values.
This program provides technical knowledge and skills in agricultural and cooperative management; introduces modern techniques, approaches, and marketing strategies in agriculture and fishery developed and practiced by Taiwan; offers opportunities for exchange of agricultural information of mutual interest among participants; and serves as a platform wherein young farmers can harness their leadership potentials. By Darwin S. Serion, Ian Addatu
