DILIMAN, Quezon City- Japanese stakeholders of the Young Filipino Farm Leaders Training Program in Japan (YFFLTPJ) celebrated its 40th anniversary with its key partners and selected former participants, which also served as an alumni business event.
The event honored the achievements of program graduates, recognized the contributions of Japanese host farmers, and strengthened the long-standing collaboration between the Japan Agricultural Exchange Council (JAEC) and the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Since 1986, the YFFLTPJ has been a collaborative effort between the ATI and the Japan Agricultural Exchange Council (JAEC) to develop deserving young Filipino farmers into farmer leaders and empowered agricultural entrepreneurs.
Successful interns from past years showcased their agribusiness enterprise models and best practices as part of a business networking activity. Likewise, host farm partners from various prefectures of Japan were recognized. The presentations were about the production of mushroom, stingless bee, lemon, vegetable, rice flower and lettuce through hydroponics.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. shared in his message, as delivered by USec. Roger V. Navarro, “As we mark this milestone, let us celebrate the achievements of the past 40 years while renewing our commitment to ensure a brighter, more sustainable future for agriculture. Let this event be a powerful reminder that through partnerships, perseverance, and vision, we can create a prosperous agricultural sector that benefits not only our nations, but also the world.”
Likewise, JAEC Executive Director Takashi Yoshikawa expressed their support to the program stating that, “The Japan Agricultural Exchange Council will continue this program with the cooperation of the host farmers and will also focus on follow-up such as solving problems that Filipino ex-trainees face in their farming activities after returning home, providing consultation on agricultural techniques and management ideas, and building business networking that connects Japanese companies with the alumni.” He added that through these efforts, they could help the alumni to succeed and help improve the friendship between the two countries.
In response, ATI Director Remelyn R. Recoter underscored that with the 544 alumni, the two countries have endured friendships and partnerships, symbolizing their shared dedication to agricultural progress, cultural exchange and community development.
The event was also graced by Kazuya Endo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan Embassy in the Philippines, and Jiro Oshima, Senior Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency. Present during the celebration were 23 Japanese host farmers, 30 alumni and representatives of seven participating Japanese companies namely Greenstar, Mitsukoshi, Sojitz, Pacific, Nagomi, Kubota, and Yanmar.
The 40th anniversary of YFFLTPJ not only celebrated the program’s legacy but also reinforced its role in cultivating a new generation of agricultural leaders committed to innovation and international collaboration.
A fellowship night ended the event with a ceremonial toast led by Yoshikawa and Recoter.
The celebration took place last February 3, 2025, at the Rural Development and Education Center, ATI Compound, Diliman, Quezon City.
#ishareknowledge #ATIiNspire #ATIandJAEC #YFFLTPJat40
With reports from Jovanee dela Cuadra and Joshua Ace Marcos from the Partnerships and Accreditation Division
