Nine (9) young farmers from the Zamboanga Peninsula under Batch 4 of the Filipino Young Farmers Internship Program in Taiwan (FYFIPT) were among the selected participants who underwent an 11-month internship to gain hands-on experience in modern farming systems and agribusiness practices. The interns departed for Taiwan on July 16, 2024, and were expected to complete their internship by June 2025.
Of the nine interns from the region, eight successfully completed the full program. One intern was not able to finish the internship due to health-related concerns, while another was compelled to return to the Philippines earlier because of urgent family matters. Additionally, one of the completers was unable to attend the graduation and re-entry planning workshop due to medical reasons.
Despite these challenges, the remaining interns returned to the country on June 19, 2025, and actively participated in a Post-Training Evaluation and Re-Entry Planning Workshop held from June 23 to 29, 2025 at the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Central Office in Quezon City. The workshop provided a platform for them to reflect on their internship experience, enhance their entrepreneurial skills, and develop business plans tailored to their local communities.
Representing Zamboanga Peninsula in Batch 4 were:
- Gerald Carl S. Enriquez
- Jerwin V. Barlaan
- Abeth B. Macrohon
- Arzel O. Dela Cruz
- Chery Mae E. Loberanes
- Jhony Boy B. Labonita
- Noriel D. Española
- Charlene B. Yalon
The FYFIPT is a collaborative program between the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and ATI, aiming to cultivate globally competitive and innovative Filipino youth in agriculture.
ATI 9 lauds the commitment and perseverance of the interns, particularly those who overcame personal challenges throughout the program. Their journey reflects not only their individual growth but also their potential to serve as agri-champions and catalysts of transformation in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
