ISABELA – The provincial government of this province welcomed the return of 42 of the 92 farmers it sent to South Korea to study the latest techniques in farming under the two countries’ exchange program.
The Isabela farmers successfully completed a five-month Seasonal Agricultural Sector Development Exchange Program in Yanggu, Jinan and Wanju counties that hopefully will enhance their knowledge, skills and experience in adopting modern agricultural technologies.
While in Korea, the Filipino farmers learned of the farming innovations while earning additional income for their families.
Helping the farmers’ reach their dream to work in South Korea was a life-changing journey, said Isabela governor Rodito Albano III.
The 92 farmers comprised the first batch Isabela sent to South Korea on April 5, 2022 to Yanggu County.
They arrived in the province of Isabela on Sept. 7 with a brief welcome at the Provincial Capitol.
Isabela opted to send farmers to Korea with the primary goal of letting them learn of the latest techniques in farming which they could adopt in the province and pass the acquired knowledge to the other farmers in order to boost the farming sector.
The Philippines in general is an agricultural country.
Meanwhile, other farmers from the first batch went home earlier due to health and family issues.
Others left the program earlier but are still in South Korea, allegedly working outside of the program in violation of their contracts.
The provincial government of Isabela said that as a reward in sticking it out with the program, those who finished the five-month contract are assured with contract renewal and may be dispatched anew this October with increased allowances.