30 June 2010, Kibbutz Shefayim – Ambassador Petronila P. Garcia attended the closing ceremony of the course on Vegetable Production which was attended by officials of the Philippine Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Agriculture, Local Government Units and the Academe.  The ceremony was held in Kibbutz Shefayim in the northern part of Israel.  The two week training course was granted to selected Filipino experts under the auspices of the Philippines – Israel Center for Agricultural Training (PICAT).

In her brief remarks, Ambassador Garcia noted that Israel has the ability to grow produce despite environmental challenges or conditions.  Many observers consider this as an agricultural miracle.  The course, she said, was an opportunity for the Philippines to learn technology from the best in their respective field.  She also conveyed the Philippine government’s appreciation for the extension of the PICAT project and the expansion of target areas which now include Bulacan, Bataan, Pampanga, Zambales and Tarlac.

She also extended appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its Center for International Cooperation (MASHAV) for the valuable assistance and cooperation, particularly in achieving sustainabililty of food production in light of global demand.

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