In the small neighborhood in Brgy. Bonifacio Allen, Northern Samar, a young man named Erick P. Bugtong set out on a journey that would give a lasting impact to his life. At just 24 years old, Erick was one of the chosen young farmers to represent his region in the prestigious Filipino Young Farmer Internship Program in Taiwan. This opportunity wasn't just about learning new agricultural techniques; it was about growth, perseverance, and discovering the potential of agriculture to transform lives.
The Call to Adventure
When asked why he pursued this internship, Erick’s answer was simple yet profound. "I wanted to expand my learning in both traditional and modern agricultural practices," he shared. For Erick, Taiwan represented a country at the forefront of agricultural innovation. He was eager to see how these advancements could be applied back home in the Philippines. Being selected as the representative from Northern Samar was a tremendous honor for him, a validation of his dedication and passion for agriculture.
A Day in the Life on the Magical Mushroom Tribe Farm
Erick’s 11-month internship in Taiwan was spent on the Magical Mushroom Tribe Farm, an agri-tourism site known for its innovative mushroom production. His daily routine involved helping with mushroom harvesting, packing, and assisting in the incubation process. But it wasn't just the technical skills he honed; Erick also took on leadership roles, helping to assess new interns from various nationalities. This experience not only improved his communication and leadership skills but also gave him a sense of responsibility and pride in his work.
Throughout his internship, Erick gained a deeper understanding of sustainable agriculture. "This journey gave me a lot of insights, especially when it comes to agricultural practices," he said. He realized that sustainability wasn't just about the methods used in farming but also about applying what you learn to make a lasting impact. The experience also taught him independence and maturity, shaping him into a more confident and decisive individual.
Overcoming Challenges
Life in Taiwan wasn't without its challenges. Erick had to navigate cultural differences, language barriers, and even the physical distance between his apartment and the farm. "It was hard to adjust to the Taiwanese culture and language," he admitted. Determined, Erick overcame these obstacles and adapted to the local customs. He learned to communicate effectively with his colleagues, and even braved the daily 30-minute bicycle ride to the farm, rain or shine.
He recalls, “During my internship there were three other nationalities with me: Indonesian, Vietnamese, and Taiwanese. They each have their own language and sometimes there are terms that are similar with the Filipino language but have different meanings. I had to be careful in using Filipino terms because maybe the term I’ll be using will be offending to them. I had to familiarize myself with such terms so that I would know how to respond to them.”
Erick also recalls his experience with Taiwanese food. “I adjusted to their food. Mostly they eat noodles and vegetables without applying too much seasoning. They don’t usually eat rice as well. With the drinks, they prefer Oolong Tea especially for Bubble Tea. It’s very-well known in Taiwan.”
The Influence of Taiwanese Agricultural Practices
One of the most significant takeaways from Erick’s internship was the exposure to advanced agricultural techniques. The use of machines for tasks like mixing substrates and monitoring fruit bags was a stark contrast to the labor-intensive methods he was familiar with in the Philippines. "The Taiwanese are punctual and disciplined when it comes to work. They don't waste time," Erick observed. This level of efficiency and precision left a lasting impression on him, inspiring him to bring these practices back home.
Erick’s relationship with his host farmer, Fang Shaoyu, was one of mutual respect and admiration. Though their interactions were limited, Erick learned valuable lessons in leadership by observing how Fang ran the farm with wisdom and passion. These lessons, combined with the practical skills he acquired, have equipped Erick with the tools he needs to succeed in his future endeavors.
A Vision for the Future
Looking back, Erick sees his internship as a turning point in his life. It helped him clarify his goals and envision a future where he could make a meaningful impact in agriculture. "I plan to establish my own mushroom production area in my community," Erick shared with a sense of purpose. He believes that mushroom farming could be a lucrative venture in Northern Samar, where there are currently no local producers. By applying the techniques and methods he learned in Taiwan, Erick hopes to create a sustainable and profitable business that could serve as a model for others.
Since returning to the Philippines, Erick has been actively involved with the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI). He has submitted business proposals, made courtesy visits to local government units, and even participated in additional training to further enhance his expertise. Erick is determined to use what he has learned to benefit his community and inspire others to see the potential in agriculture.
A Call to the Youth
Erick's journey is a testament to the transformative power of agriculture. It’s not just about planting crops or raising livestock; it's about nurturing growth—both in the fields and within oneself. As Erick looks ahead to a future where he can contribute to his community, he hopes to inspire others, especially the youth, to follow in his footsteps.
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