Cordova to send 2K trainees to SoKor to learn advanced farming techniques

THE Municipality of Cordova is sending at least 2,000 trainees to South Korea to participate in the Agricultural Exchange Program this year.

The town has already sent 187 Cordovahanons to South Korea to start their three to five months immersion program, with allowance.

Former Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Dongman Han has expressed support to this joint program ensuring safety of trainees following their deployment to different local government units (LGUs) in Korea.

The trainees will be assigned to Jeongseon County, Sokcho City, Wonju City, Hoengseong County, Jangsu, Pyeongchang, Yeongwol County and Buyeo County.

More LGUs in Korea have signed in and will accept beneficiaries for the rest of the year.

Han, who is now the Honorary Consul of Korea in Cordova, has also vowed promote the municipality as an offshore investment hub for Korean investors.

Cordova Mayor Mary Therese Sitoy-Cho sealed this exchange program in 2019 to these Korean LGUs to strengthen the economic relations of both areas, particularly in the area of agriculture.

“This partnership gives one of a kind opportunity for our people to learn and experience South Korea for three months. This will also strengthen the bond between the Philippines and South Korea,” Cho said in a statement.

The implementation, however, was delayed due to the Covid-19 outbreak which resulted in lockdowns and strict travel restrictions.

Prior to the pandemic, the program had sent three batches.

Beneficiaries are expected to learn Korea’s advance farming techniques, as well as familiarize the Korean culture.

The partnership is facilitated by Cebu Korean Association (CKA), headed by its president Cho Bong-hwan. The organization serves as a link between Cordova and the participating Korean cities and counties.

CKA shoulders the beneficiaries’ visa processing, medical and airline tickets expenses.

Aside from the experience, the trainees will also be given cash allowances to take care of their personal needs and the needs of their families back home, as well.

“Mayor Sitoy Cho has exercised her excellent leadership and stewardship for the Cordova community in the last six years. She deserves a title of true leader for us. I strongly believe that she will continue to work sincerely for the Cordova community as well as Cebu province and the great country, the Philippines with her devotion and dedication. I admire her contribution to deepen our ties in many different sectors between Korea and the Philippines,” Han said.