11 Baguio farmers back home from Korea as part of seasonal work program
The Summer Capital’s 11 urban farmers who were deployed by the city government to Taebaek City, South Korea, last June 10, under the Seasonal Worker Program (SWP), have all returned home this month, according to the City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO).
The initiative is part of the sisterhood ties agreement between the city government of Baguio and Taebaek.
In a recent media forum, CVAO chief agriculturist Marcelina Tabelin said that upon their return, in batches, the farmers were met by representatives from various concerned offices for feedback, evaluation and assessment purposes.
They were asked about their experiences in Taebaek, whether their contracts were followed, and problems they encountered during their stay so that these could be ironed out.
She said the city will send another batch to Taebaek in March or April, next year, who, like the first batch, must be legitimate farmers and residents of Baguio.
Earlier, CVAO head Dr. Silardo Bested said the first batch of farmers were carefully selected through a stringent screening and selection process led by the Baguio City’s SWP Working Committee, conducted by key member-offices including CVAO, City Administrator’s Office (CADMO), City Mayor’s Office, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and Health Services Office.
The farmers will be immersed in highland vegetable cultivation, gaining hands-on experience in farming crops such as celery, bell pepper, cabbage, and even apple farming, an opportunity to grow both their skills and their futures, he said.
A pre-departure orientation activity was conducted by the CVAO, CADMO and other concerned offices for the 11 agricultural workers, last June 9, at the City Hall multipurpose hall.
“This milestone not only strengthens the partnership between our cities but also creates new doors for our farmers to learn, thrive, and bring back valuable knowledge to our local agricultural community,” Silardo said. – Gaby B. Keith
