19 Filipinos arrive in Israel to learn advanced agriculture
19 Filipinos are currently in Israel to learn about advanced agriculture.
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) said the delegation was sent in the Middle East country so they can start learning more about modernized agriculture under a training program offered by Agrostudies, The International Center for Agricultural Interns in Israel.
The participation of TESDA to the program is part of the Memorandum of Understanding between TESDA and Agrostudies signed on Dec. 16, 2020 as well as the Memorandum of Agreement between TESDA and seven participating state universities and colleges (SUCs) signed last Dec. 22, 2020.
This is in line with TESDA’s goal of promoting agriculture as one of its banner programs with the institution allocating 30 percent of its scholarship budget for agriculture and other agri-related skills training.
In his message to the delegates composed of TESDA trainers, TESDA Secretary Isidro Lapeña expressed high hopes that they will give their best during their training.
“Israel has one of the best agricultural technologies in the world and you are the fortunate ones who will be able to learn and apply it here in order to help not just your family but your province, your region and eventually the whole country. I have always been fascinated with Israeli agriculture and how it can help our country and I found hope in you. Rest assured that whatever you learned from there, TESDA will fully support you once you get back to share your learning with our kababayans here,” he said in a statement on Wednesday, March 31.
The TESDA Chief thanked the government of Israel for giving an opportunity for the 19 Filipinos and help achieve the government’s goal of attaining food sufficiency.
TESDA said Agrostudies has been extending the program to the Philippines and other countries.
It said from 2006 to 2016, there were already 6,000 Filipino students who benefited from the program from the country’s 27 SUCs.
"It aims to expose Filipino students/trainees to advanced agricultural technology and upgrade their skills in agriculture as well as empower their agribusiness skills," said TESDA.
The delegates will undergo a six-month paid training and among the courses offered are Horticulture, Animal Science, and Entrepreneurial Initiative.
Upon completion, the trainees are expected to contribute in the improvement of the agricultural curriculum of TESDA and other training institutions in the country.
TESDA will regularly monitor the status and well-being of the Filipino interns during their training.
The delegation arrived at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, Wednesday and are currently undergoing health protocols.
Two more trainers are expected to fly to Israel in a few days to join the delegation.