By Kenneth Marcos 
On a busy morning in Diliman, young agriculture students and trainers gathered with renewed hope for the future of farming. Their goal is simple but urgent: to learn better ways to grow food and improve their livelihoods. On February 26, 2026, that goal gained fresh support as Israel’s ambassador to the Philippines paid a courtesy visit to the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI).
Her Excellency Dana Kursh met with ATI officials at the institute’s Central Office in Quezon City. She was joined by the chief executive officer of Agrostudies International Training Center, the implementing partner of the Philippine-Israel Internship Program for the Youth (PIIPY).
The visit aimed to strengthen cooperation between the Philippines and Israel in agricultural training and innovation. Officials said the partnership focuses on giving young Filipinos global exposure and hands-on experience in modern farming practices.
The Philippine-Israel Internship Program allows selected Filipino youth to train in Israel for several months. Participants learn advanced techniques in crop production, greenhouse management, irrigation, and farm business operations. Israel is widely recognized for its expertise in high-efficiency agriculture, especially in dry and water-scarce environments.
Agriculture remains a major source of livelihood in the Philippines. Millions of Filipinos depend on farming and fishing for income. However, the sector continues to face serious challenges, including climate change, rising production costs, and low productivity in some areas. Many small farmers still rely on traditional methods and have limited access to new technologies.
Through partnerships like PIIPY, the government hopes to equip young people with practical knowledge that they can bring back to their communities. Graduates of the program are expected to apply what they learned in Israel to local farms, cooperatives, and agribusiness ventures. Some may also become trainers and mentors to other farmers.
ATI plays a key role in this effort. As the training arm of the Department of Agriculture, it provides education and extension services to farmers, fisherfolk, and rural youth nationwide. Strengthening ties with international institutions allows ATI to expand its programs and introduce global best practices to local stakeholders.
Officials noted that investing in youth is crucial to the long-term growth of the agriculture and fisheries sector. The average age of Filipino farmers has been rising, raising concerns about the future workforce in food production. Encouraging young people to see agriculture as a viable and modern career path is a priority.
The courtesy visit signals continued commitment from both countries to support agricultural development and innovation. As food security remains a national concern, building strong partnerships and empowering the next generation of farmers are seen as key steps forward.
For many rural families, opportunities like the Philippine-Israel Internship Program represent hope. With the right training and support, young Filipinos can help transform agriculture into a more productive, resilient, and profitable sector for the country.
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