To deepen their knowledge and broaden their understanding and awareness of the dynamics of rural development, two staff members of the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) participated in the training program for young leaders under the Rural Development Course of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The training was held in Iwate and Akita Prefectures, both in Japan’s main island of Honshu, on July 22 to August 6. Fifteen other staff from different government agencies in the country also took part in the training program.
The two PCC staff trainees were Ericson N. de la Cruz, project evaluation officer, and Kimberly B. Turaja, agricultural technician.
The training program seeks to promote human resource development in developing countries, such as the Philippines. Specifically, it is designed to be part of efforts to prepare young leaders individuals to assume leadership roles in the future.
During the 18-day training, the participants were provided with opportunities to further hone their specialized knowledge and skills through experiential learning technologies, skills development, and resolving issues on their own.
The participants were likewise exposed to various initiatives and challenges in rural development in some parts of Japan and were given opportunities to discuss relevant issues with Japanese rural development experts. Further, the program enabled the participants to understand the policies and support system for rural development, investment and the current situation of agriculture in Japan.
In the course of their training, the participants had a chance to observe the goings-on in certain Japan local agricultural government agencies, agricultural institutions, cooperatives, farmer’s activities, and in sites where there are agricultural facilities.
A two-day home stay with Japanese host families and the formulation of action plans whereby the participants proposed strategies on how systems and techniques of rural development in Japan can be applied in the country were also included in the training program.
