TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) - - The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines has offered full scholarship grants to Filipinos who are interested in studying agriculture-related courses in Taiwan. 

In his visit to Cagayan, Wallace Minn-Gan Chow, TECO representative to the Philippines, announced the expanded scholarship opportunities for aspiring young farmers in Region 2 under the Filipino Young Farmers Internship Program in Taiwan.

He said the scholarship program is a joint partnership of TECO, the Manila Economic and Cultural Office, and the Department of Agriculture, through the Agricultural Training Institute. 

Chow said that by studying in Taiwan, students will learn modern agricultural technologies that they can apply in Cagayan and share with other farmers to improve their productivity.

"We have students trained with salaries for 11 months in Taiwan. They learn modern agriculture skills so they can have their farm or help grow farms in Cagayan," said Chow.

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines Representative Wallace Minn-Gan Chow visits Cagayan Farm School in Anquiray, Amulung, Cagayan. He immersed himself in the activities of the farmers in the farm school. (Photo courtesy of CPIO)

Taiwan government offers full-term scholarships for both 11-month and 4-year programs. Interested applicants can apply through TECO or the office of Governor Manuel Mamba.

Meanwhile, Mamba requested 50 slots as he expressed his appreciation and gratitude to TECO for the opportunity given to Cagayan aspiring agriculturists.

"I'm so glad you came here and showed interest in promoting exchanges. Thank you for the opportunity. We have a community of nations and we could be part of international trade," said Mamba.

Chow and his team also visited the Cagayan Farm School and Agri-Tourism Center in Amulung town where he witnessed and was able to immerse himself in the actual activities of farmer organizations at the farm school including the Rural Improvement Club, and student interns from Baggao National Agriculture and Trade School, Felipe Tuzon Agricultural School, and Cordova National High School at the Farm School. (OTB/MFJ/PIA Region 2)