𝟮𝟯 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗙𝗙𝗟𝗧𝗣𝗝 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻

Upon completing their Pre-Departure orientation, a Send-Off ceremony was held to mark a significant milestone for the 23 trainees as they prepared to embark on their journey to Japan. 

The program stands as a testament to ATI’s continued commitment to nurturing globally competitive Filipino farmers—individuals who will help drive innovation, sustainability, and food security in the country.

ATI Director Remelyn Recoter, MNSA, CESO III, expressed confidence in the interns, emphasizing that the program will help transform them into catalysts of change in Philippine agriculture, aligned with the vision of a “Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas.”

The Ceremony was also attended by Mr. Akasaka Hidenori, First Secretary and Agriculture Attache of the Embassy of Japan in The Philippines. Mr. Hidenori extended his gratitude for the partnership with ATI and its importance in the agricultural sector. He shared during his message how he was inspired by the success stories of Filipino young farmers. 

It was joined by the coordinators from ATI- Regional Training Centers (ATI-RTCs), provincial and municipal coordinators from the Local Government Unit (LGU), and the parents, guardians, and friends of the trainees—demonstrating strong institutional and familial support for the program.

The Send-Off Ceremony highlighted the recognition of the top three graduate interns for their outstanding agribusiness proposals:

• Mr. Joemel Ramores Orcia from Antique was awarded first place for his proposal, “Upscale Orcia's Integrated Farm,” which promotes sustainable agriculture through integrated farming and waste repurposing.
• Mr. Janry Cadubla Refil from Masbate secured second place with “Refil Integrated Farm,” focusing on year-round vegetable production and farmer training initiatives.
• Mr. Michael Angelou Nipal Mabanag from Kidapawan City placed third with “TilapyaTech Biofloc,” an innovative approach to sustainable tilapia farming using biofloc technology.

The Batch 2026 interns also shared their impression of the PDO and expressed deep appreciation for the program, highlighting how the PDO prepared them not only academically, but also physically, mentally, and emotionally.

The interns shared insights on the discipline instilled through daily routines, the value of proper nutrition and rest, and the importance of learning the Japanese language to overcome communication barriers. The message also emphasized the role of mentors, trainers, and ATI staff in shaping their readiness and confidence.

More importantly, the batch reflected on their responsibility as young leaders, expressing their commitment to bring home knowledge, innovation, and a renewed sense of purpose for the advancement of Philippine agriculture.

Meanwhile, Dir. Antonieta J. Arceo, Director III, delivered her closing message. Dir. Arceo emphasized the role of the interns as an empowered individual upon their return from the 11-month internship in Japan. 

“With this empowerment, we expect application of learning when you go back [to your respective communities] and share your learning  and experiences, and become what we expected you to be,”  she added. Dir. Arceo expressed the firm support of the Institute to the interns as the new breed of young agri-entrepreneur. 

The YFFLTPJ Batch 2026 departed for Japan on April 14, 2026, carrying with them not only technical knowledge and skills, but also the resilience, discipline, and vision needed to become future leaders in agriculture. They are scheduled to return to the Philippines on February 18, 2027.

The send-off ceremony was held on April 13, 2026, at the ATI Development and Education Center (RDEC) Function Hall in Diliman, Quezon City.

Written by:  Mary Joy H. Linaac