Sakura International collaborates with Cebu Technological University (CTU) to provide internship program in Japan’s Yume Koubo (Dream Factory for Mushroom) .
CTU-Barili Campus Director Genes Pasaje said that the linkage was initiated by Sakura International’s CEO Masaharu Suginouchi when he contacted CTU-Argao’s OJT coordinator. By then CTU-Barili was informed, and both campuses decided to have an initial talk with the CEO in the first week of September in Carcar.
“There is no specific degree in our curriculum which caters to mushroom culture but it is one of the courses under BS Horticulture program in CTU-Barili at present. This might be one of the major concerns in the next curriculum review,” Dr. Pasaje said.
Students currently enrolled in BS Agriculture degree program and/or related courses are to comply with the major requisites : articulate in English or the language spoken in the host country; passed pre-practicum requirements; psychologically, emotionally and spiritually balanced; has written approval or consent from parents/guardians; passed the IQ and personality test conducted by the Guidance Council officer (where Yume Koubo defines the passing parameter); and physically healthy as certified by the university medical officer.
“I think our students have the capacity to qualify for the international internship training. I know they can do the job.”
CTU-Tuburan has already submitted the names of their prospective interns as the training does not only limit to the two southern campuses mentioned. They await Suginouchi’s directive on the screening details. His company has served as a manpower agency that caters to, among others, Yume Kouba.
“I think they will be conducting the screening hopefully in the first week of October this year, and CTU-Main is the ideal site for the interview as it is accessible by everyone concerned.”
A minimum of four(4) successful applicants necessitates one (1) university representative or a practicum coordinator to supervise their welfare in the internship location. The coordinator is provided free round trip airfare and accommodation.
The agreement is valid for two(2) years as stipulated in the agreement signed on September 18 at CTU-Main Campus. But as of now, Japan offers a working permit for one year. Dr. Pasaje assumed then that OJT program will range from 3 months to one year, so it is most likely that after the first batch another will follow.
“There is a possibility that other companies will join by then if the program will be successful.”
As of the moment, only Yume Koubo is certain about accommodating CTU interns. Yume Koubo President Hiroshi Kawamori and CTU President Dr. Rosein A. Ancheta Jr. strengthen the ASEAN thrust of skills development among student constituents.
Masaharu is married to a Filipina from Mandaue, Cebu and has been dealing with clients in Japan ever since. (UPO)