Japan provides Ilocos Norte farmers with a refrigerated truck through GGP

On 17 December 2024, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines Second Secretary NISHIMURA Tokiko attended the turnover ceremony for “The Project for the Provision of a Refrigerated Delivery Truck for Small-scale Farmers in Ilocos Norte”. The ceremony held in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte was graced by Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, Vice-Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos, Bacarra Sangguniang Bayan Chairman on Agriculture Jonathan Sagario, Bacarra Multi-Purpose Cooperative Chairperson Primrose Manglal-lan, and the farmers of Ilocos Norte.

The majority of residents in Ilocos Norte engage in agriculture as their main source of income. However, small scale farmers grapple with the dual burden of high demand and escalating logistical costs. Lacking their own transportation, they often resort to renting vehicles or rely on intermediaries. This not only risks the quality of their fresh produce but can also lead to delays and unpaid incomes.
 

To address the situation, the Embassy of Japan provided a grant of USD 46,244 (approximately PHP 2.6 million) to the Bacarra Multi-Purpose Cooperative, whose members are small farmers from the various municipalities of Ilocos Norte. The grant covers the procurement of a refrigerated truck for the cooperative’s farmer members.
 

In her remarks, Ms. Nishimura shared her hope that the use of the truck will significantly improve the farmers’ incomes and that they would become a role model for others to follow.
 

Japan is the top ODA donor to the Philippines, and this year marks the 70th anniversary of ODA. The Government of Japan launched the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) in the Philippines in 1989 to reduce poverty and help various communities engage in grassroots activities. At present, 564 grassroots projects have been implemented by the GGP. Japan believes that these projects will strengthen the friendship between Japan and the Philippines and contribute to sustaining strategic partnerships between the two countries.

Note: Dollar Rate 1 USD = PHP 56.35 (as of October 17, 2023)