DILIMAN, Quezon City—Twenty three young farmers from different regions in the country complete this year's batch of the Young Filipino Farm Leaders Training Program in Japan (YFFLTPJ).

Specifically, seventeen male and six female trainees were qualified for the program. This is part of the continuing partnership of the Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), and the Japan Agricultural Exchange Council (JAEC).

Key ATI and JAEC officials gave some reminders as the trainees start the 75-day Pre-departure Orientation Course (PDOC).

ATI Director Alfredo Aton emphasized the need for young blood in agriculture to sustain and advance the sector’s development.

"We need you in this journey to agricultural progress," Aton said as he addressed the trainees.

Aton encouraged the participating young farmers to pursue innovative agricultural enterprises especially after their training in Japan. He also assured them that ATI will guide them “every step of the way.”

Rosana Mula, ATI Officer-in-Charge Assistant Director, said that the involvement of the youth in agriculture is one of the major advocacies of DA Secretary William Dar. She guaranteed that the Institute will continue to perform its role in skills development, particularly towards youth agripreneurship.

“More and more programs are becoming inclusive and both men and women are given equal opportunities in agricultural training and education,” Mula added.

Moreover, JAEC-Manila Secretary Willy de Chavez provided tips about the Japanese culture. He also urged the young farmers to be diligent in learning Nihongo.

The PDOC for this year's batch of YFFLTPJ kicked off last January 28 and is expected to conclude in April 2020. The trainees will undergo a series of training activities on different farming strategies and on Nihongo.

ATI-Partnerships and Accreditation Division chief Renato Dela Cruz was also present during the opening ceremony held in the ATI Central Office in this city.