𝑰𝑭𝒀𝑬 𝑷𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝑺𝒖𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑭𝒂𝒓𝒎 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝑬𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅

The International Farm Youth Exchange (IFYE) Philippines delegation successfully completed its exchange program in Thailand from June 6 to 22, 2026, marking another meaningful milestone in strengthening international cooperation in agriculture, youth development, and intercultural understanding.

The delegation was spearheaded by IFYE Philippines President Mr. Rudy Mostar and composed of Mr. Jason M. Zarandin and Mr. Den Mark McCoy Loreno from Region 6, and Mr. Marione Calveen G. Gueta from Region 5. The group was warmly hosted by IFYE Thailand under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sunan Seesang, President of the IFYE of Thailand.

The exchange provided the Filipino delegates with a valuable opportunity to broaden their agricultural knowledge and deepen their appreciation of Thailand’s farming systems and rural culture.

Upon arrival, they joined an orientation with the Department of Agricultural Extension in Thailand, together with fellow IFYE delegates from Switzerland, Austria, and Taiwan. The activity offered an overview of agriculture in Thailand and created a meaningful platform for shared learning, international friendship, and collaboration among young agricultural leaders from different countries.

Throughout the program, the delegates were hosted by various IFYE Thailand alumni, where they were introduced to local agricultural best practices and technologies. These experiences highlighted Thailand’s innovative and community-based approaches to farming, giving the delegates practical insights that may help enrich agricultural youth programs and initiatives in the Philippines.🤝🌍

Cultural appreciation was also an important part of the exchange. The delegates toured museums in Thailand and took part in traditional experiences that allowed them to better understand Thai customs and values. They were able to witness a traditional wedding and a monk ordination ceremony, both of which gave them a deeper appreciation of the country’s rich heritage, spiritual traditions, and strong sense of community. These cultural encounters helped strengthen the spirit of respect and openness that lies at the heart of the IFYE program.🇹🇭🍀

The delegates also visited Phrommanukhrao 4-H Club school and Thai 4-H Club Museum , where they learned more about 4-H Thailand and its role in youth development, leadership formation, and agricultural education. The visit showed how youth organizations can play a vital role in shaping responsible, skilled, and service-oriented young people who can contribute to agricultural and rural development. In addition, the delegates spent five days of immersion at Chock Anan Farm, where they had the opportunity to experience farm life in Thailand firsthand and observe local agricultural practices in a real working farm setting.🍀👨‍🌾

One of the most memorable parts of the exchange was the nearly one-week stay with host farmers, where the delegates were immersed in the daily life of a Thai family and experienced firsthand the warmth of Thai hospitality. This home immersion fostered deeper friendship, mutual respect, and lasting connections between the Philippine delegates and their Thai hosts. It also reinforced the true purpose of IFYE exchanges: to build understanding through shared living, learning, and working experiences.

Through this exchange, IFYE Philippines continues to uphold its commitment to developing globally aware, culturally sensitive, and agriculturally skilled young leaders. The Thailand exchange stands as a testament to the enduring value of international farm youth programs in building bridges across nations while advancing agricultural learning, leadership, and fellowship.