Japan grants ¥1.7-B aid to PH for construction of rice processing system in Isabela
Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro and Japanese Embassy Chargé d'affaires Ad Interim Ono Sho sign and exchange notes for the rice processing system project for Cauayan, Isabela on Oct. 16, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Japanese Embassy)
Japan has allocated ¥1.7-billion assistance for the Philippines intended for the establishment of a rice processing system in Cauayan, Isabela.
Japanese Embassy Chargé d'affaires Ad Interim Ono Sho and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro signed and exchanged notes for the rice processing system project on Thursday, Oct. 16.
The project aims to enhance the agricultural capabilities of the country by reducing post-harvest losses, promoting a more efficient rice value chain.
According to Lazaro, the grant will support the National Food Authority (NFA) in fulfilling its mandate to maintain a sufficient buffer stock of rice.
"This fulfills the promise of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. at the 2025 SONA (State of the Nation Address) to support our farmers and attain rice sufficiency," Lazaro also said.
During the signing ceremony, Chargé d'affaires Ad Interim Ono expressed his sincere hope that the project would make a substantial contribution to enhancing rice production and post-harvest infrastructure in the Philippines, ultimately delivering tangible benefits by securing the livelihoods of rice farmers and ensuring a stable and affordable supply for consumers.
He added that the project is a testament to the strong and enduring partnership between Japan and the Philippines.
It also reflects Japan’s continued commitment to supporting sustainable agriculture development and food security in the country.
Also present during the ceremony were NFA Administrator Larry Lacson and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Philippines Chief Representative BABA Takashi.