DILIMAN, Quezon City – The International Farm Youth Exchange Program (IFYE) delegates from Thailand recently visited the Philippines seeking to broaden cultural understanding and promote better international partnership between IFYE Philippines and IFYE Thailand.
IFYE, which started in the Philippines in 1953, was adopted by the Department of Agriculture (DA) for a cultural exchange program and promotion of strong linkages and partnerships among other countries such as Taiwan, Thailand, Korea and the United States of America. IFYE was first founded after World War II as young Americans perceived the need for greater international understanding and cooperation. At present, IFYE has become an integral part of the endeavor of the 4-H Clubs that support the holistic development of young farmers all over the world.
With this, IFYE Philippines is hosting the IFYE Foreign Exchange Program annually that aims to serve as a platform geared towards dismantling barriers, cultivating leadership potential, promoting cultural exchange as well as strengthening global partnerships and networking. Because of this, Phichamon Phueakyod and Sirimon Phanphiriya of IFYE Thailand came to the country to possibly build connections with IFYE Philippines.
With strong support from the Department of Agriculture through the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), the delegates visited the ATI Central Office where they were briefed on youth programs being implemented by the Institute. Agriculturist Jovanee Dela Cuadra presented the various programs, interventions and initiatives specifically designed for the youth that promote active participation and engagement of the young generation in agriculture, fisheries, and other allied sectors especially the 4-H Club of the Philippines.
Dela Cuadra mentioned that the ATI has been providing technical, facilitative and logistical support and assistance for IFYE-initiated activities. IFYE Philippines national president Rudy N. Mostar gave a brief overview of the organization and its significant milestones.
The team then proceeded to visit one of the ATI’s accredited learning sites in Quezon City, the San Diego Elementary School for its Earth and Sky Garden, which highlighted innovative and interactive value chain approaches in ensuring availability, affordability and accessibility of safe and healthy food for students, parents and community in the urban setting. Different farming technologies were presented such as vertical gardening, aquaponics, organic concoctions and rooftop gardening which mainly aim to promote quality education among the youth through learning by doing and teaching the community about sustainable production of food.
The IFYE Thai delegates also visited the Western Visayas and Bicol regions to acquire more experiential learning opportunities and impactful exposure to diverse cultures, ideas, and perspectives, broadening their understanding of the agriculture sector and the whole of the Philippines as well.
