Japan provides funding for agricultural development through Japanese NGOs

 
　On March 17, 2021, Japanese Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko signed grant contracts with Japanese non-government organizations (NGOs) conducting activities in the Philippines namely: OISCA International, Ikaw-Ako, and JAEC.
 
(1) OISCA (Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement) International
Project title: Negros spreading sericulture based silkworms nationwide deployment support Phase 3
Grant amount: US$ 574,214 (approximately 27.7 million pesos)
 
　In this project, seven provinces (Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, Aklan, Iloilo, Antique, Misamis Oriental, and Negros Occidental) will undergo mulberry field maintenance and other activities in each project site to contribute in improving the skills of the farmers. This aims to develop model sericulture farmers whose additional expertise in the future will certainly increase the production of cocoon and high quality raw silk.
 
 
(2) Ikaw-Ako
Project title: Commercialization of Japanese Quality Strawberry and Promotion of Agri-Tourism in Highland Phase 2
Grant amount: US$ 263,644 (approximately 12.7 million pesos)
 
　This project aims to commercialize strawberry cultivation and encourage farm tourism in the village of Patag, Silay City, Negros Occidental.  The project will lay out an income option for the residents by utilizing Japan's strawberry cultivation technology and expertise in the operation of farms focusing on agri-tourism.
 
(3) JAEC (The Japan Agricultural Exchange Council)
Project title: Safe Vegetable Production Technology Dissemination and Vegetable Distribution System Improvement Project
Grant amount: US$ 789,856 (approximately 38.1 million pesos)
 
　This project aims the dissemination of the technology of applying charcoal, wood vinegar and compost produced by locally available materials in the vegetable fields to reduce production costs and secure income for farmers. It also aims to improve the vegetable distribution process in the middle of Luzon.
 
　The Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects started in the Philippines in 2002. Since then, the Japanese Government has made contracts for 55 projects in the Philippines under this scheme, amounting to approximately 1.4 billion yen in total. Japan believes that this project will not only strengthen the friendship between the peoples of the Philippines and Japan, but also bolster the existing strategic partnership between the two countries.
 
* From BSP: PHP-USD Exchange Rate = 48.2042 (2021 February average)