The final batch of seasonal workers from this Negros Oriental capital city departed Monday for South Korea for a three-month employment.

Ma. Socorro Mira, chief of the Public Employment Services Office (PESO)-Dumaguete, told the Philippine News Agency that the agricultural workers will be working at various farms in Yeongdong-gun County, North Chungcheong province.

“The final batch is composed of 15 workers, some new and others returning, who will be working in farms where fruits like apples, oranges and grapes are grown,” she said.

It was the fourth batch of farm workers to be sent to Yeongdong-gun this year, she added.

Yeongdong-gun and Dumaguete are sister cities, having inked an agreement several years ago for a cultural exchange partnership and an agricultural cooperation.

The farm workers program not only offers temporary jobs to Dumaguete workers but also teaches them important agricultural skills and knowledge, Mira said.

Both cities also share best practices, foster mutual understanding of various cultures, and promote tourism.

Mira said that although seasonal workers are hired for a maximum of three months, they can extend their stay depending on their employer’s needs. (PNA)