On October 8, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines Second Secretary NISHIMURA Tokiko attended the turnover ceremony for the “Project for Construction of Food Processing Training Center in Bombon, Camarines Sur”. Pilipinas Shell Foundation Executive Director Sebastian C. Quiniones, Jr., Former Vice President Atty. Leni G. Robredo, and esteemed guests were present during the event.
In the Province of Camarines Sur, many residents depend on agricultural income for their livelihood. Although efforts have been made in the region to reduce farmers’ poverty, the average income of farmers remains low, partly because many of them do not possess post-harvest processing skills.
To address the situation, the Embassy of Japan provided a grant amount of USD 62,247 or approximately PHP 3.6 million to Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc, who provides capacity building programs to Filipino farmers. The grant covers the construction of a training facility and procurement of training equipment, with the aim of increasing product values and income of farmers in 10 target communities in the province.
In her message, Ms. Nishimura made a heartfelt plea to remember the hard work of farmers and to work together to ensure a strong, sustainable, and resilient agricultural sector.
Japan is the Philippines’ top ODA donor, and this year marks the 70th anniversary of ODA. The Government of Japan launched the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects in the Philippines in 1989 to reduce poverty and empower communities through grassroots initiatives. To date, the GGP has implemented 562 grassroots projects. Japan believes these projects will strengthen the friendship between Japan and the Philippines and contribute to sustaining strategic partnerships between the two countries.
