In a step toward modernizing local farming, the Philippines is sending young agricultural interns to Israel to learn advanced technologies and practices. Through the Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) and the Agrostudies International Training Center, the Philippine-Israel Internship Program for the Youth (PIIPY) will train 150 Filipino students in Israel’s world-class agriculture sector.
The first batch of 50 interns completed their Pre-Departure Orientation on September 24 and 29, 2025 via Zoom. The sessions included a cultural briefing on Israel by Ms. Richelle Ed S. Maulion of Mashav, a mental health and resiliency workshop by Dr. Emerson Aliswag, and a lecture on Business Enterprise Plan (BEP) development led by Ms. Lindsay Mae Medrano and Ms. Dina Mejias of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC).
As the group departs in October 2025 for an 11-month internship in Israel, Israel’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Her Excellency Dana Kursh, expressed confidence that the interns will gain valuable knowledge and practical skills they can bring home to strengthen Philippine agriculture.
In addition, Dir. Remelyn R. Recoter emphasized the pivotal role of Filipino youth in advancing the sector, especially in addressing emerging issues such as an aging farmer population. The internship is part of the key strategies of DA through ATI to encourage more youth participation in the sector.
The interns are expected to return with global perspectives, hands-on experience, and innovative approaches to help drive growth and resilience in the country’s agriculture sector.
By equipping young Filipinos with global knowledge and practical skills in advanced agricultural technologies, the PIIPY strengthens the foundation of a unified and efficient extension service. It also highlights the critical role of public-private partnerships in technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and capacity building—core pillars of extension work. As these interns return home, they will serve as catalysts for innovation and resilience, helping to elevate the standards of agriculture and fisheries extension and contributing to the Philippines’ goal of food security.
