Agricultural work such as fruit picking and packing are seasonal jobs that Filipinos can try and apply for in Taiwan. But if you want more in-depth training and experience so that you can become an “agricultural entrepreneur,” consider joining the Filipino Young Farmers Internship Program in Taiwan (FYFIPT).
FYFIPT aims to empower young Filipino farmers, seeking to transform them into skilled “agri-preneurs.” It is implemented by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) of the Department of Agriculture (DA), together with the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO).
What is the Filipino Young Farmers Internship Program in Taiwan?
As the name says, the Filipino Young Farmers Internship Program in Taiwan (FYFIPT) is a training program for young Filipino farmers. It focuses on enhancing their skills on agricultural and fisheries techniques, cooperative management, marketing strategies, and other aspects.
Program Objectives
Generally, FYFIPT aims to empower young Filipino farmers towards becoming farmer leaders and agricultural entrepreneurs.
Specifically, the program seeks to:
- Provide technical knowledge and skills on modern Taiwanese farming methodologies and marketing strategies;
- Provide opportunities for exchanging agricultural information; and
- Serve as a platform for young farmers to develop their leadership skills and potential.
Qualifications
To qualify for the program, an applicant must:
- Be a young Filipino farmer who is an out-of-school youth (OSY);
- Be male or female, single, 18-36 years old;
- Have no live-in partner or child;
- Be a High School graduate (Senior High) / College level (undergraduate) / Technical or Vocational graduate;
- Have at least one (1) year farming experience;
- Have passed the required medical examinations;
- Have no previous overseas travel related to internship;
- Not be employed at the time of application;
- Not be related to any ATI employee; and
- Not be a recipient of ATI’s other international exchange programs.
In addition, the applicant must be: (a) of good community standing; (b) able to communicate in English; (c) physically fit; and (d) willing to learn Mandarin and new farming technologies.
Requirements
Applying for FYFIPT involves the preparation of essential documents, along with requirements for the Pre-Departure Orientation Course, and also for the Training Proper in Taiwan.
Documentary Requirements
- Personal Information Sheet (MECO-TECO Form No. 1);
- Personal History (MECO-TECO Form No. 2);
- Farming Experience Certificate issued Barangay Chairman and Municipal Agriculturist (MECO-TECO Form No. 3);
- Certification as bonafide resident of the area and of good community standing from Barangay Chairman (MECO-TECO Form No. 4);
- Certificate of No Overdue Obligations from ATI (MECO-TECO Form No. 5);
- Certificate on Basic English Knowledge issued by the Agricultural Technologist of Municipal Coordinator (MECO-TECO Form No. 6);
- Certificate of Commitment to Learn Mandarin and New Farming Technologies (MECO-TECO Form No. 7);
- Training Certificates on agriculture and non-agriculture;
Certification from last school attended on the latest educational level attained; - Letter of Recommendation from Center Director of ATI – Regional Training Center (RTC) (MECO-TECO Form No. 8);
- NBI and Police Clearance;
- Narrative Report from ATI-RTC on the selection and field validation of participants; and
- Photocopy of Philippine Passport valid for at least two (2) years at the time of application.
NOTE: The above forms may be downloaded from the ATI website.
Requirements for Pre-Departure Orientation Course
For the Pre-Departure Orientation Course (PDOC), each applicant must prepare: (a) valid Philippine Passport; (b) Internet connectivity for online classes on Mandarin; (c) counterpart fund of PHP 15,000 to cover part of traveling, medical, and personal expenses; and (d) one-way plane fare to Taiwan.
Requirements for Training Proper in Taiwan
Before the Training Proper in Taiwan, the applicant must have passed the PDOC and be willing to enter into an Agreement with the ATI regarding the program.
Procedure
The program involves several major stages: selection of participants; Pre-Departure Orientation Course; Training Proper in Taiwan; and Post Evaluation.
Selection Process
For every FYFIPT “batch,” the ATI Central Office announces the search for nominees or participants. In coordination with Local Government Units (LGUs) across the Philippines, ATI Regional Training Centers screen and evaluate applicants, before endorsing the final list of nominees to the ATI Central Office.
Pre-Departure Orientation Course
The Pre-Departure Orientation Course (PDOC) is conducted to prepare the participants for their internship abroad. Spanning a period of six (6) weeks to 11 weeks, the course includes Mandarin Language classes as well as hands-on training on agricultural techniques.
Notably, each participant must prepare a counterpart fund (PHP 15,000) and shoulder the cost of his/her one-way plane ticket to Taiwan. Meanwhile, ATI facilitates the training and assists with the medical exam and visa application, while TECO assists with language training and shoulders the participant’s return ticket to the Philippines.
Training Proper in Taiwan
The Training Proper in Taiwan takes place for about 11 months. Each participant or intern is “matched” with a Host Family, who will help provide board and lodging, along with daily transportation, medical, and other concerns. The intern is also matched with a Host Farmer.
Throughout the program, each intern is entitled to receive a monthly allowance of not less than TWD 18,000 (after deduction of accommodation, insurance, taxes, and other charges).
In accordance with labor laws and regulations, the working hours of interns should be limited to eight (8) hours a day, 40 hours a week, with at least one rest day per week. However, if “seasonal factors” are mentioned in the agreement, interns will be allowed to work for up to 12 hours a day, with overtime pay.
Post Evaluation
After the training, the next step is Post Evaluation, when the participants return to the Philippines. They will be tasked to carry out a Livelihood Project to apply the knowledge and skills that they have learned. For each project, ATI will shoulder PHP 40,000, while the participant will cover PHP 20,000 as his/her counterpart fund. The LGU may also provide additional funds for the project.
During this stage, participants are expected to prepare reports, documentation, and presentation materials regarding their learnings and experiences. Furthermore, they will be asked to pledge a personal commitment to the agricultural development of their communities.
For more details about the program, you can visit the FYFIPT Facebook page and ATI website. You can also go to your City / Municipal Agriculturist Office or ATI Regional Training Center.
Agriculture plays an important role in food production, food security, and the business economy of every country. For Taiwan and the Philippines, FYFIPT enables farmers to share their best practices, benefiting both countries in the long run!
Meanwhile, aside from farming and other seasonal jobs, there are several “unusual” jobs in Taiwan, as well. Check out this article to learn more about these not-so-common jobs!