UPI, Maguindanao del Norte - In a significant step towards enhancing agricultural skills and international cooperation, three (3) promising young farmers from Upi, Maguindanao del Norte, have successfully undergone a validation process for the Filipino Young Farmers Internship Program in Taiwan (FYFIPT), Batch 2024.

This comprehensive validation involved meticulous on-site inspections of their farms, with a keen focus on verifying the diversity and health of crops and livestock as detailed in their applications.

The validation process was overseen by a team of experts. Leading the team was Ms. Simona P. Dela Cruz, Chief of the CDMS and Training Specialist III, accompanied by Ms. May A. Guiang, the 4-H/RBO Focal Person and Training Specialist II. Also part of the validation team were Mr. John Lord L. Auman, the Information Officer II and Alternate Focal Person for BARMM, Ms. Jemari Cen Dacaya, a Technical Staff member, Ms. Nympha Sapan, the UAS 4-H Coordinator, and a representative from MAFAR-Upi.

This internship program is a collaborative initiative between the Manila Economic and Cultural Office and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines that is designed to strengthen bilateral relations through practical learning experiences.

It offers young Filipino farmers a unique opportunity to develop their agricultural and fishery skills using advanced techniques and technologies.

Interns will gain valuable insights into various aspects of agriculture, including value chain management, cooperative management, and the enhancement of competencies, disciplines, and values, paving the way for a new generation of skilled and knowledgeable agricultural professionals.

Among the qualified young farmers from BARMM include Ms. Honey F. Pablo from South Upi and Ms. Ampee Krizzel J. Biñas and Eleuterio Jhon T. Dela Cruz I both from Noru, Upi, Maguindanao del Norte.