From the Philippines to Japan, and back: Where a young agripreneur draws inspiration, brings, and realizes his dream
As the world gets more volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous, it’s indeed a breath of fresh air to witness how today’s young Filipino farmers progressively look to agriculture not just as a means of livelihood but also as a platform for innovation—and Jairo Rabano stands as an epitome.
Hailing from Tiaong, Quezon, Jairo’s journey as an agripreneur was greatly boosted when he joined the Young Filipino Farm Leaders Training Program in Japan (YFFLTPJ) 2025.
This program aims to transform deserving young Filipino farmers to become farmer leaders and empowered agricultural entrepreneurs. It has been made possible through a partnership between the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) and the Japan Agricultural Exchange Council (JAEC) since 1986.
His experience in Japan was not just transformative for his career, but also for his personal growth, as he learned valuable lessons that are now shaping his vision for Philippine agriculture.
From the Philippines: Drawing inspiration to take the leap
Jairo’s agripreneurial dream can be traced back to his hometown. It was there that he was first exposed to the farming practice, a lifestyle that enticed him to study agriculture further.
“Bilang isang college graduate, natutuhan ko ang iba't ibang technicalities ng pagsasaka. Ngunit sa tingin ko, kulang ako sa praktikal na karanasan,” he shared, acknowledging that while he understood the theoretical side of farming, it was real-world experience that was still missing.
His thirst for practical experiences led him to ATI’s Youth in Agripreneurship Program (YAP) in 2021 where his agribusiness project “Talipa Farms: Hydroponic Lettuce Ice Cream” received funding support for him to further develop and sustain what he had started.
After this, another opportunity came. The same realization drove him to apply for the YFFLTPJ as he aspired to acquire hands-on experiences that are essential to being a competent young agripreneur—a decision that would greatly impact his life.
He was also inspired by his fellow trainees, young Filipino farmers with whom he shares the same passion for agriculture. For Jairo, their collective eagerness became a strong driving force that solidified his decision to take the leap.
To Japan: Strengthening experiential learning
Upon arriving in Japan, Jairo was thrust into a rigorous 11-month internship that would challenge him not just physically, but also mentally and emotionally.
There were instances when he had to work beyond regular working hours for over a month. “Masasabi kong life-changing ‘yung naging karanasan ko sa YFFLTPJ,” Jairo reflected while highlighting the intense nature of the internship program.
Jairo also shared that he had to endure homesickness. Luckily, he and his fellow trainees kept in touch with one another which greatly helped them get through the 11 months. What made Jairo even more fortunate was the warmth given by his host family in Japan where he learned a lot of practical knowledge and values which he even considered as the highlight of his internship.
“Ang mabuting pakikisama sa aking host family ang itinuturing kong pinakamahalagang bahagi ng internship. Naging malaking tulong sa aking pag-unlad ang pakikipagkwentuhan sa kanila sa tuwing kami'y kumakain. Sa mga kwentuhang iyon ko natutunan ang iba't ibang prinsipyo, kultura, at pananaw ng mga Japanese hindi lamang sa agrikultura kundi sa pamumuhay,” Jairo shared.
Some of the innovative techniques he learned include the planting system and management practices for grape production, as well as the Geothermal Cooling and Heating System (GCHS) used in Japanese greenhouses that inspired him to think about sustainable agricultural practices that could be implemented back home.
“Ang sistemang ito ay sustainable at naaayon sa SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy),” he explained, noting how this technology could help regulate temperature in greenhouses while conserving energy—a potential game-changer for Philippine agriculture.
All these experiences exposed him to not only the advanced agricultural technologies Japan is known for but also to a diverse cultural environment, interacting with trainees from various parts of Asia. This cross-cultural exposure broadened his perspective on agriculture and entrepreneurship even more.
Apart from the practical skills and cultural values he acquired, Jairo learned the true meaning of leadership and teamwork.
“Bilang lider o batch representative ng Tayabak Batch, natutunan ko na ang isang malakas na grupo ay binubuo ng nagtutulungang indibidwal. Natutunan ko rin na napakalaki ng kayang magawa ng tulad kong isang kabataan para sa ikauunlad ng sektor ng agrikultura sa ating bansa,” he said.
For the Philippines: Empowering fellow young agripreneurs
Armed with new knowledge, insights, and a fresh mindset, Jairo now sets his sights on making a difference in local farming communities. His dream is not only to practice what he learned but also to share it with others.
What’s next for Jairo? One of Jairo’s main goals is to venture into grape production while empowering fellow Filipino agripreneurs, particularly the youth. In realizing his vision, he also wants to be guided by the values he upholds: “Hindi nakabase sa laki ng kita ang pagiging matagumpay na lider-magsasaka kundi ito ay nakabase sa dami ng iyong natulungan at naibahaging kaalaman sa kapwa magsasaka.”
Jairo sees the YFFLTPJ as the catalyst for change, giving young agripreneurs like him the tools, knowledge, and motivation to innovate and transform the sector. With his eyes on the future, Jairo is determined to create a ripple effect that will empower not just himself, but a generation of Filipino farmers who are ready to embrace change and bring about lasting progress in their communities.
“Naniniwala ako na kahit ano pa mang tanim o alagaing hayop ay kayang mapalago bilang isang business venture kung may tamang pamamaraan at sapat na kaalaman. Kaya naman, dapat tayong maging uhaw sa paghahanap ng mga bagong kaalaman at pagdiskubre ng mga tamang pamamaraan na naaayon sa ating lugar,” Jairo urged his fellow agripreneurs.
Jairo’s journey from the Philippines to Japan and back proves the power of learning, the essence of community, and the boundless potential of young agripreneurs in reshaping the future of the agriculture sector.
Story by:
