The Young Filipino Farmer Leaders Training Program in Japan (YFFLTPJ) celebrated its 40th anniversary on February 3, 2025, with a ceremony at the Department of Agriculture (DA), attended by Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo.
A long-running initiative that has trained over 540 Filipino farmers, YFFLTPJ is implemented by the Japan Agricultural Exchange Council (JAEC) in partnership with Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), and the DA’s Agricultural Training Institute (ATI). The program provides young Filipino farmers with hands-on training in Japan, where they learn advanced agricultural techniques from Japanese farmers.
The event highlighted the achievements of program graduates and their Japanese host families, with participants sharing success stories and best practices. A business networking session was also held, fostering potential collaborations between Filipino farmers and Japanese agricultural companies.
In his remarks, Ambassador Endo noted the program’s role in strengthening Japan-Philippines agricultural ties and expressed confidence in continued partnerships in business, technology, and human resource development.
He said agriculture remains a vital sector for both nations and called for sustained cooperation to enhance innovation and productivity.
