Alexander Edades Asuncion, a member of the POEA governing board and the agency's land-based representative, announced this when he called on Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino Jr.
The objective of this overseas job for farmers, Asuncion explained, is to train Filipino farmers on modern Japanese farming technology so that when they return home after the expiration of their contract, they can apply in the country what they have learned from Japanese farms.
He said the Philippines can adopt modern Japanese farming through this overseas job program.
He said the job opening is a big boon to Pangasinan province which has a lot of farmers, some of whom may want to earn more by working in Japan.
Asuncion told newsmen that POEA has a list of Japanese employers who are now in the Philippines with the purpose of recruiting farmers to work in their farms.
He said that in order to qualify, a farmer must undergo training on Nihonggo which costs P15,000 but which is refundable the moment the applicant is already leaving for Japan.
Consequently, they will also be trained for free on how to operate farming equipment which they will handle in Japan as that country uses modern mechanized farming.
However, he did not disclose any salary for farmers who will qualify but assured that the Japanese employers will be giving good and satisfactory wages.
The successful applicants are entitled to housing, food allowances and tickets in their trip to Japan and other benefits.
The contract will last from eight months to three years but the moment the farmer returns from his work in Japan, he cannot re-apply anymore
