TO provide farmers in Isabela province a chance to earn additional income, enhance their skills, and gain international exposure, the provincial government once again opened the gates to global employment opportunities through the Seasonal Workers Program (SWP) in South Korea.
Lawyer Elizabeth Binag, Isabela provincial information officer, said that qualified farmer-applicants have already undergone pre-screening and have submitted their applications to the Provincial Agriculture Office.
“The program is open to farmers aged 25 to 45 years old who are bona fide Isabelino farmers, physically fit for farm work, hardworking, and with strong family ties in the Philippines,” Binag said, adding that the application process has been simplified to encourage wider participation, with applicants required to present only a passport and one valid identification card.
She explained that the SWP is implemented under a joint memorandum signed between the governments of the Philippines and South Korea, which ensures proper deployment, fair treatment, and adequate protection for Filipino workers participating in the program.
The program is offered annually as part of the provincial government’s continuing efforts to strengthen farmers’ livelihoods and improve the productivity and resilience of Isabela’s agriculture sector.
“This is a great opportunity for our farmers to augment their income, gain new skills, and adopt improved agricultural practices through international work experience,” Binag added.
The agreement between the two Philippine and South Korean governments also seeks to strengthen coordination with local governments in South Korea while safeguarding the welfare of seasonal workers. This ensures that farmers from Isabela are protected and supported throughout their employment period abroad.
Binag explained that the SWP is a win-win opportunity for Isabela’s farmers, the provincial government, and the Philippine agriculture sector. “It not only provides economic benefits but also promotes cultural exchange and knowledge sharing between Filipino and Korean farmers.”
According to the provincial information office, more farmers from Isabela are expected to take advantage of the opportunity and reap its benefits with the program’s simplified application process and the government’s support.
Binag said that the SWP is just one example of the provincial government’s initiatives to empower its farmers and promote agricultural development.
“As Isabela continues to move forward, its farmers are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to succeed in the global agricultural landscape,” she added.