DA Announces Farm Training In Japan

Director Jindra Linda L. Demeterio of the Department of Agriculture (DA) announces the holding of the competitive examination for those who wish to avail of the Young Filipino Farmers Training program in Japan. The test will be held in Kalibo, Aklan on October 5, 2006. Those interested to participate may immediately contact Ms. Emelia F. Briones, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), Capitol, Estancia, Kalibo, Aklan.
The training is open to all young farmers presently engaged in farming, male, single, between 20 and 26 years old. He has reached college level with two years farming experience. He is neither an employee of the government nor of the private sector. He can articulate in English and is willing to learn Nihongo, of good community standing, physically, emotionally and mentally fit. He has no tattoo on any parts of his body, no pierced ears, nose, tongue, navel or any part of the body. He must pass the provincial and regional qualifying examinations.
For those who will qualify, the training will be in Japan for one year. They will study Nihongo language, live and work with Japanese host farmers and their families, attend institutional development training, community activities, farm and cultural visits and sports festival. They will also submit quarterly accomplishment reports.
The participants are provided with free board and lodging, transportation and monthly allowance of 40,000 yen or about P20,000.00.
After the training in Japan, the graduate may apply for a re-entry assistance by way of project proposal that will enable him to apply the things learned during the training. This will enable him also to become agribusiness entrepreneur and share his knowledge and skills to fellow farmers.
For Aklan, the examination will be held on October 5. Out of those, the OPA may send 10 maximum to participate in the regional qualifying test, which will be held on October 10, 2006 in the DA Regional office, Iloilo City.
Of the regional examinees, five (5) shall be recommended to the National Agriculture and Fishery Council (NAFC) in Quezon City. Out of the five, NAFC will select three (3) most qualified nominees after field validation and evaluation. The two will become alternates who will be ready to take over in case any of the three cannot continue participating.
Those regional nominees will undergo a 75 day training. They will participate in the home stay with host Filipino farmers for 60 days. This will socially prepare them to be exposed and simulated with the Japanese style of farming, work and culture, be independent and flexible while learning in partnership with his host Filipino farmers.
Before their departure to Japan, the top three regional nominees are required to provide each with P15,000 counterpart fund. This will be used to cover payments for medical examinations, clothing allowance, travel tax, visa and terminal fee. This counterpart fund maybe sponsored by LGUs, DA or any civic organization.
The training in Japan will provide farming experience to deserving young Filipino farmers, to acquire technical skills in agriculture, farm machinery and cooperative management, provide opportunities for an exchange of agricultural information of mutual interest among participants, and to help foster understanding and goodwill among Asian nations.
This training is also a commitment of the government of Japan to young farmers in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, China, and the Philippines who possess the potential to become key farmer leaders. /MP mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com