The Japanese government allocated 1.7 billion yen (approximately PHP652 million) to establish a rice processing system in Cauayan, Isabela, the Japanese Embassy in Manila announced on Thursday.
The governments of the Philippines and Japan formalized the partnership through the signing and exchange of notes between Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Embassy Chargé d’affaires ad interim Ono Sho during a ceremony held at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Oct. 16.
The embassy said the initiative will help enhance the agricultural capabilities of the country by reducing post-harvest losses, promoting a more efficient rice value chain.
It will also support the National Food Authority (NFA) in fulfilling its mandate to maintain a sufficient rice buffer stock.
“Through this collaboration, we aim to secure the livelihoods of farmers and ensure a stable, affordable supply of rice. In achieving these, we hope to enhance the sustainability and resilience of Philippine agriculture,” Ono said.
The embassy said this project serves as a testament to the strong and enduring partnership between Manila and Tokyo.
Also present during the signing ceremony were National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Larry Lacson and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Philippines Chief Representative Baba Takashi. (PNA)
