The Send-Off Ceremony for the Young Filipino Farm Leaders Training Program in Japan (YFFLTPJ) Batch 2026 occurred on the morning of April 13, 2026, at the RDEC Function Hall of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Central Office in Quezon City. This event recognized 23 young Filipino farm leaders preparing for a training period in Japan. The program opened with a welcome message from ATI National Director, Engr. Remelyn R. Recoter, who highlighted the role of the interns as representatives of Philippine agriculture and encouraged them to gain knowledge, skills, and discipline to bring back to the country.

The ceremony included a message of support from Hon. Akasaka Hidenori, First Secretary and Agriculture Attaché of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, who affirmed Japan’s commitment to agricultural cooperation and expressed confidence that the interns would acquire technical expertise and cultural values. Ms. Mary Joy C. Linaac presented the 23 interns, who originate from various regions. The group includes Jericho E. Espino from South Cotabato, Ayna Faith A. Loyola and Lovern L. Marido from Sultan Kudarat, and Michael Roy N. Blanco from Maguindanao del Sur. The interns recited a Pledge of Commitment led by Batch President Christian Greg J. Caraan to signify their dedication to the program and future agricultural development.

The event also featured the confirmation of Nihongo Course graduates by representatives from the National Language Skills Center and recognized excellence through the awarding of the top three agricultural proposals from YFFLTPJ Batch 2025. Assistant Director Antonieta J. Arceo delivered the closing message, reminding the interns to maintain their focus on their purpose and their responsibility to the agricultural sector. By participating in this program, the interns are expected to acquire advanced agricultural techniques and return to their respective areas as practitioners. This initiative functions as a catalyst for local development, as the participants gain the tools necessary to improve farm productivity and foster the growth of resilient and self-sufficient agricultural communities throughout the Philippines.