DILIMAN, QUEZON CITY–ATI champions the skills and aspirations of young farmers through its holistically empowering programs and activities. Among these is the Young Filipino Farm Leaders Training Program in Japan (YFFLTPJ). The 23 young farmers (5 females and 18 males) from various ATI-RTCs across the country participated in the YFFLTPJ Batch 2025 Send-Off Ceremony at the ATI–Rural Development Education Center on April 8, 2025.

The YFFLTPJ Batch 2025 or the HIRAYA Batch young farmer-scholars, committed to bringing the Philippines' agriculture sector to greater heights, will undergo an 11-month internship program in Japan starting from April 11, 2025, to February 19, 2026. This will serve as a venue for on-farm training in Japan based on the interests and expertise of the trainees.

Mr. Edgar S. Madulin Jr. from New Corella, Davao del Norte, and Ms. Elyn Leeh L. Sucayre from Montevista, Davao de Oro, are the young farmer scholars endorsed by the ATI-RTC XI.

Before their deployment, the aspiring young farmers underwent several program phases. These included a rigid selection process at the Provincial and Regional levels, oral and written examinations, field validation, medical examination, and National desk evaluation before advancing to the Pre-Departure Orientation Course (PDOC).

The PDOC included Japanese Tradition, Cultural, and Language Classes, which enabled the trainees to be more prepared for their 11-month internship in Japan to communicate effectively with their respective Host Farmers and their co-interns from other Nations, fostering friendships and professional relationships.

Madulin, one of the ATI-RTC XI scholars, bagged the Top 1 in Japanese Language & Culture.

Trainees also underwent Smart Farming and Financial Literacy Training to empower them on the science-based farming approach, as it plays a crucial role in increasing efficiency, higher yields, labor efficiency, and promoting sustainability and food security by minimizing environmental impact.

ATI also provided these trainees with innovative and useful interventions such as training on Mental Health and coping Mechanisms given by medical experts to boost the mental and emotional strength and resilience they will need to withstand the challenges of living in a new environment and culture in Japan.

The send-off ceremony was graced by the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines First Secretary and Agriculture Attache, Mr. Akasaka Hidenori; DA Undersecretary for Administration, Mr. Allan Q. Umali; ATI Director, Engr. Remelyn R. Recoter; ATI Assistant Director, Ms. Antonieta J. Arceo; Assistant Division Chief, Mr. Joeven C. Calasagsag; the Provincial Local Government Units (PLGUs); LGUs Provincial and Municipal Agriculturist and coordinators; and ATI Center Representatives.

Since the program's inception in 1986, a total of 564 young farmers have completed the training program and received after-training support or startup capital for their chosen agri-business.

The YFFLTPJ is in partnership with the Japan Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and the Japan Agricultural Exchange Council (JAEC), both aiming to strengthen the relations through the implementation of an internship program for qualified young Filipino Farmers.

Moreover, YFFLTPJ focuses on transforming young farmers into agricultural entrepreneurs by equipping them with the skills and knowledge of modern agriculture and fisheries technology,  including value chain management, cooperative management, and enhancing competencies, discipline, and values.