The Harvest Festival showcased many vegetables cultivated with the help of the Smart Agriculture Center donated by the Tarlac Agriculture University in Camiling, Tarlac.

Among the crops harvested were bell peppers, onions, cucumbers, lettuce, and cherry tomatoes. 

The event was led by Ilan Fluss, Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines.

"It’s implementing two things: the vision when I came here to the Philippines was building bridges of technology between the two countries. Israel has the technology and innovation in agriculture, and we built here a bridge, and we have now a center in Tarlac Agricultural University. And secondly, we are fulfilling here the request of President Marcos when he met me, to improve agricultural productivity and the issue of food security here in the Philippines. This is why I came to Tarlac because this is exactly a realization of a small beginning of a vision and a mission," he said.

Israel is one of the leading countries in agri-technology and research and development practices for fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other agro-industries.

The collaboration involves providing modern farming technologies and training Filipinos with new agricultural methods.

At least 75 students from Tarlac Agriculture University and 15 local farmers completed the Season-Long Training Program.

Israel has opened internship programs in the Philippines for young people who want to learn while earning some money.

"Agriculture is not anymore the sector of the past. We are introducing change. Change means hope. It means that the future is bright. It's not on you to depend on imports; you can have better quality foods and more vegetables. It's about nutrition. Yes, it's possible, but it needs work, it needs science and learning, and this is what we are offering under a partnership," Fluss added.

The Harvest Festival will continue until January 12, 2024.