Manila: The Japanese government has 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 initiative aims to enhance the agricultural capabilities of the Philippines by reducing post-harvest losses and promoting a more efficient rice value chain.

According to Philippines News Agency, the partnership between the governments of the Philippines and Japan was formalized through the signing and exchange of notes between Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Embassy Charg© d'affaires ad interim Ono Sho. The ceremony took place at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on October 16. The project will support the National Food Authority (NFA) in maintaining a sufficient rice buffer stock.

Ono expressed the collaboration's goal to secure the livelihoods of farmers and ensure a stable, affordable supply of rice. The project aims to enhance the sustainability and resilience of Philippine agriculture. The embassy emphasized that this initiative serves as a testament to the strong and enduring partnership between Manila and Tokyo.

In attendance at the signing ceremony were National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Larry Lacson and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Philippines Chief Representative Baba Takashi.