Farmer working on harvested grains from above
Japan has pledged a P640-million (1.7 billion yen) grant to boost the Philippines’ food security through the establishment of a rice processing system in Cauayan, Isabela.
The agreement was formalized through an exchange of notes between Japanese Chargé d’affaires Ad Interim Ono Sho and Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro. Also present were Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Philippines Chief Representative Baba Takashi and National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Larry Lacson.
The project seeks to modernize rice processing in one of the country’s key agricultural regions by improving post-harvest efficiency, reducing losses, and strengthening the NFA’s capacity to maintain adequate buffer stocks.
“Once operational, the rice processing system will help deliver a host of benefits — from reducing post-harvest losses to more employment opportunities,” Ono said. “Apart from promoting an efficient value chain, it can assist the National Food Authority in maintaining its mandated rice buffer stock.”
“Above all, this project aims to deliver meaningful benefits to both producers and consumers of rice. 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,” he added.
Ono also noted that Japan has been a steadfast partner in Philippine agriculture for nearly seven decades, extending support through infrastructure, farm machinery, irrigation, and technical expertise. The project, he said, reaffirms Japan’s commitment to sustainable agriculture development and food security in the Philippines.
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