Manila, 1 September 2022 (TDI): Japan signed agreements with World Food Programme (WFP) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to support Filipino farmers.
The Japanese Government will donate US$ 6 million to support new initiatives of FAO and WFP for Filipino farmers and fisherfolk affected by Typhoon Rai, locally known as Odette.
Japan🇯🇵 teams up with @WFP_Philippines and @FAOPhilippines for the livelihood of Visayas & Mindanao farmers and fisherfolks. Hope these partnerships will reinforce the 🇵🇭 agri & fisheries sector. https://t.co/uQCZXDQltA pic.twitter.com/Uvwpt8Wr2K
— Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines (@AmbJPNinPH) August 31, 2022
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines, Koshikawa Kazuhiko signed a collaboration with WFP Representative of the Philippines, Brenda Barton, and FAO Representative, Sheila Werz-Kanounnikoff for two projects.
These projects will help the Philippines’ agriculture and fisheries sectors in Visayas and Mindanao.
On the occasion, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform in BARMM, Muhammad S. Yacob was present.
Moreover, Roel M. Rosales, Philippine Coconuts Authority Deputy Administrator, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs, Neomi T. Diaz were also present.
WFP initiated the Project for the Improvement of Agricultural and Fisheries Value Chain for Smallholder Farmers and Fisherfolk in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). According to the agreement, Japan will contribute 4 million US$ to the project.
This project aims to serve approximately 7,500 farming and fishing households in BARMM. It aims to strengthen inclusion in the nutrition-sensitive agricultural value chain.
On the other hand, FAO will carry out the Project for Restoring Livelihoods and Enhancing Resilience of Farmers and Fisherfolks Affected by Typhoon. The Government of Japan will contribute approximately 2 million US$ to this project.
LOOK👀! Japan (@AmbJPNinPH) inks agreements with FAO, @WFP_Philippines for US$ 6M contribution to help boost #productivity, post-disaster #livelihoods recovery & #resilience of Filipino #farmers & #fishers. Story👉https://t.co/Hjve4pHIQ9
🇯🇵🇵🇭🤝 pic.twitter.com/pxkPkXNDUx
— FAO Philippines (@FAOPhilippines) September 1, 2022
Accordingly, 4,000 farming and fishing households in Bohol, Southern Leyte, and Surigao del Norte will receive agricultural and fishery inputs under the project. Moreover, the project will also practice adaptation of climate-resilient agriculture and fishery practices.
Remarks by Japanese Ambassador
On the occasion, the Japanese Ambassador, Koshikawa Kazuhiko, expressed his hopes for the successful implementation of the two projects.
He highlighted that Japan’s collaboration with FAO will help Filipino farmers in overcoming the devastating consequences of Typhoon Odette last December.
He added that it is noteworthy that Japan has provided $13 million in total to the victims of Typhoon Odette. It has also provided emergency disaster relief supplies to the victims.
Ambassador Koshikawa highlighted that over the past 20 years, Japan has been supporting the Philippine government’s Mindanao Peace Process. Moreover, he hoped that Japan’s collaboration with WFP will be extended to the rest of the Bangsamoro region.
Consequently, the Ambassador expressed that Japan was honored to work with FAO and WFP, here in the Philippines.
Moreover, he extended his tribute to the organizations working on the ground. He further emphasized that these organizations have helped a lot for peace in Mindanao as well as food security.
In his concluding remarks, the Ambassador affirmed that Japan will continue to provide maximum cooperation and support to the Philippines.
