Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss visited Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas on January 24, 2025, to discuss the expansion of Israel’s agricultural training program throughout the Philippines. During a subsequent media interview on January 27, Fluss highlighted Israel’s advanced techniques in cultivating fruit trees, vegetables, and other high-value crops, despite not focusing on rice or grains.
Fluss expressed enthusiasm about sharing Israel’s agricultural knowledge through the Agro Studies program, which has already seen about 700 Filipino interns participate in collaboration with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The 11-month program offers intensive hands-on training with farmers five days a week, complemented by one day of academic study and one day off.
The ambassador emphasized that the program’s goal is to transform the interns’ perspectives by introducing them to modern farming methods in various sectors, including fruit trees, cut flowers, and vegetables. Upon returning to the Philippines, these interns are expected to apply the best practices and knowledge they’ve acquired.
To further the program’s reach, agreements have been established with the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute, and local governments are being encouraged to nominate more interns. Fluss noted that participants do not have to be students; they can also come from local government and private sector initiatives.
TESDA is also exploring reintegration support for returning interns to assist them in implementing their business plans. Fluss’s visit to Iloilo included attending the Dinagyang Festival and meetings with key local figures, including Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., and representatives from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Iloilo and West Visayas State University.
Future plans discussed include inviting Iloilo’s private sector and government officials to a roadshow showcasing Israeli technologies and a webinar on educational technology scheduled for the end of February.