QUEZON CITY, Philippines — Fifty young Filipino farmers from across the country are set to embark on a transformative journey to Taiwan under the Filipino Young Farmers Internship Program in Taiwan (FYFIPT).
The young farmers were formally sent off during a ceremony held on June 5, 2026, at the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) RDEC Building in Diliman, Quezon City, following the completion of a month-long Pre-Departure Orientation Course.
Speaking during the send-off ceremony, ATI Director IV Engr. Remelyn Recoter, MNSA, CESO III emphasized the importance of investing in young farmers as the Philippines confronts the twin challenges of an aging farming population and declining youth participation in agriculture.
Representatives from both Philippine and Taiwanese institutions underscored the significance of the program in strengthening bilateral and agricultural cooperation between the two countries.
Board of Director of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) Atty. Brigitte M. Da Costa-Villaluz encouraged the participants to maximize the opportunity and return home prepared to become agricultural entrepreneurs and innovators.
“This will be your golden time. Keep it in your mind and in your heart. Make the most out of this opportunity. Padayon and keep going,” Atty. Villaluz told the interns.
Meanwhile, Deputy Representative of the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) Hon. Dustin T. Yang, highlighted Taiwan’s technology-driven farming sector and urged participants to absorb as much knowledge as possible during their stay.
“Learn as much as you can in Taiwan and return home ready to contribute to Philippine agriculture,” Yang said, adding that visa fees for the interns would be waived and their monthly allowance increased.
Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Operations and Agri-Fisheries Mechanization and Rural Credit Roger V. Navarro challenged the young farmers to embrace their role as future changemakers in the agriculture sector.
“You are not just interns. You are future leaders, innovators, and champions of Philippine agriculture who will help secure the country's food future,” Navarro said. “Master these technologies and innovations over the next 11 months. As you prepare to depart, know that the government is likewise preparing for your return. We remain committed to supporting you through continuous programs and skills development.”
Beyond technical training, the internship also emphasizes leadership development, cultural exchange, and entrepreneurship, enabling participants to become catalysts for agricultural transformation in their communities upon their return.
ATI Deputy Director Antonieta Arceo noted the program’s growing impact since its inception in 2021.
“To date, 273 interns have successfully completed the program,” Arceo said. “Today may seem like an ordinary day, but we are preparing something extraordinary for our youth in agriculture. Be true to your batch name, ‘Sibol,’ which symbolizes growth and emergence. Learn not only technologies but also values.”
Families, local government officials, and 4-H coordinators from ATI Regional Training Centers attended the ceremony to show support for the departing interns, many of whom come from farming communities that see the program as an opportunity to bring home new technologies and innovative practices.
Among the 50 participants are five young farmers from Region XII and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) — two from South Cotabato, two from Cotabato Province, and one from Maguindanao del Norte.
On June 8, the interns will depart for Taiwan to begin an intensive 11-month training program focused on modern agricultural technologies, entrepreneurship, cooperative management, and smart farming systems. Participants will gain hands-on experience with advanced agricultural practices, including hybrid farming systems, automation, Internet of Things (IoT) applications, and precision agriculture technologies that have helped position Taiwan as a leader in agricultural innovation.
As they prepare to leave for Taiwan, the young farmers carry not only their personal aspirations but also the hopes of their communities and the future of Philippine agriculture.
The FYFIPT continues to serve as one of the flagship youth development initiatives of the Agricultural Training Institute, reflecting the Philippine government’s commitment to fostering leadership and youth engagement in agriculture.
