By BENJAMIN SARONDO
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines (TECO) opened the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) Demonstration Farm on December 15 at Barangay Sapang Maragul, Tarlac City.
TECO representative Wallace M.G. Chow served as the event host. He acknowledged the unwavering efforts of many individuals to bring the demonstration farm to reality.
Chow pointed out in his welcome speech that the establishment of this TTM marks a significant milestone in the enhancement of bilateral cooperation between Taiwan and the Philippines.
“The establishment of the Taiwan Technical Mission showed our two countries’ willingness to form a sound partnership, and I am confident that this would further enhance the solid bond between Taiwan and the Philippines through cooperation and development,” he noted.
The introduction of TTM to the Philippines was a joint effort between TECO and the Manila Economic and Cultural Office, in collaboration with the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund and the Department of Agriculture.
The TTM Demonstration Farm, which is composed of post-harvest facilities, smart greenhouses, and an agricultural waste disposal site, aims to be a learning environment that showcases Taiwanese advanced agricultural technologies to benefit local farmers. It seeks to boost the Philippines’ agricultural production, marketing capabilities, and food security.
“The TTM in the Philippines is the third of its kind in Southeast Asian countries, following Indonesia and Thailand, under Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy,” Chow said.
He added that the objective of TTM is to introduce Taiwan’s modern technology to agricultural policymakers, researchers, farmers, and fishermen in the Philippines to enhance agricultural practices and lay the groundwork for improved food safety and productivity.
Chow emphasized that global challenges require global solutions, and global solutions necessitate collaboration.
Photos courtesy of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines