BUTUAN CITY – A new batch of young farmers will experience modern agricultural and fisheries technologies abroad, as the Agricultural Training Institute sets the activities for scouting and screening of deserving interns under the Filipino Young Farmers Internship Program in Taiwan (FYFIPT) Batch 2.

This and more were discussed during the virtual meeting called by the Partnership and Accreditation Division for the Rural-Based Organization (RBO) point persons of the ATI-Regional Training Centers (RTC) on February 21, 2022. In her message, ATI Director Rosana P. Mula enjoined the respective RTCs to facilitate the proper screening of the intern to ensure their full commitment to complete the program, and that they meet the qualifications and requirements.

During the meeting, Ms. Jovanee S. dela Cuadra gave updates on the activities and performances of the 29 young farmers representing the first batch of interns. It can be recalled that the interns left the country last October 2, 2021, to complete the 11-month internship on modern techniques and approaches in agriculture and fisheries that are developed and practiced in Taiwan. She encouraged the point persons to closely monitor the interns to address the issues and concerns with their respective host farms. Ms. Cuadra presented the revised guidelines of the FYFIPT. Among these are the inclusion of the drug and neuro-psychological test in the required medical examinations of the applicants, partnering with all relevant SUCs that can provide agriculture and aquaculture-related training for the Pre-Departure Orientation Course (PDOC), and, the preparation of a thorough guideline of safety and health protocols per IATF guidelines and conduct consultation with barangay LGU as additional responsibilities of the ATI-Central Office.

Cuadra also discussed the proposed schedule of activities for the 2nd batch of trainees and emphasized the prioritization of Batch 1 interns who tested positive with COVID-19 during the final screening, provided that they will pass the medical and other pre-training requirements, as well as the PDOC.

The recruitment process for FYFIPT batch 2 will commence upon the release of the revised implementing guidelines by March.