The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) extended its continued support to the endeavors of the Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) during a courtesy call on April 6, 2022. JICA’s newly-appointed Chief Representative to the Philippines, Sakamoto Takema, expressed the Agency’s sincerity in prioritizing the Philippines, including the DA, as one of its partners.
The DA has two ongoing projects with JICA, namely: Advisor on Project Formulation and Preparation under Japan’s Technical Cooperation Program, implemented by DA Project Development Service and Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM); and Market-Driven Enhancement of Vegetable Value Chain in the Philippines, spearheaded by DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance (AMAS).
The first project aims to assist DA in increasing its pipeline projects in the agri-fishery sector and to facilitate the process of approving projects for possible assistance by the Government of Japan. The second initiative, a USD 3.19-million grant assistance, aims to increase the productivity and income of farmers by expanding the profitable vegetable value chain through the development of an inclusive business model.
Also discussed during the courtesy call are potential ventures between JICA and DA on agricultural infrastructures, capacity-building for farmers and cooperatives, food terminal systems, scholarship opportunities, research and development, and private sector involvement.
The Secretary relayed his gratitude to JICA for its relentless assistance to the Department.
(Source: Department of Agriculture)