The Department of Agriculture (DA) views the partnership between the Philippines and Japan as a pivotal milestone in the agricultural industry. This is a testament to cultivating a future of growth and prosperity in the agriculture sector in ten provinces in the country including Benguet, signifying the strong relations routed in fostering food security and resiliency for the Philippines.
In his message read by DA-Assistant Secretary for High Value Crops and Deputy Spokesperson Atty. Joycell Panlilio during the turnover ceremony for the Safe Vegetable Production Technology Dissemination and Vegetable System Improvement (SAVERS) project for Buguias, Benguet, the Secretary reiterated the Philippine governments gratitude for the physical and technical support provided by JAEC to the farmers.
“We convey our heartfelt gratitude to the JAEC and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries of Japan for your immense support of the project, its successful implementation brings us closer to our aim to mechanize and modernize the agriculturist production system. This involves increasing the availability of science-based, climate-resilient farming technologies and promoting good agricultural practices in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas Program,” the message read.
The SAVERS Project introduces two key technologies: the Safe Vegetables from Rich Soils and the Farmers’ Improvement of Vegetable Packing and Shipment. Aimed to enhance farmers’ income while addressing environmental concerns, the Project likewise aimed to improve the vegetable distribution system from farmers to retail stores across the country.
Completed this March, the implementing agencies agreed to have a sustainability plan to enhance the Mokusaku and Cold Storage Facility, identify existing challenges, and develop viable solutions while sharing the best practices to improve operational efficiency.
Part of the plan identified areas of collaboration to continue the programs and activities initiated by various organizations, including the DA-Regional Field Offices and Agriculture Training Institute-Regional Training Centers (ATI-RTCs).
The P16 million cold storage facility turned over by JAEC to the Municipality of Buguias, Benguet is a solar-powered facility developed in Europe that can generate 2,800 kilowatts per hour enough to operate the facility, which the local government unit will manage.
“We also thank the local government units of all the provinces that pushed for the success of this project, your invaluable participation and support to extend the SAVERS project to our local farmers paved the way for more opportunities in Agriculture,” the message added.
The three-year project implemented across the provinces in Luzon such as in Pangasinan, Nueva Vizcaya, Pampanga, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Camarines Norte, and Benguet streamlines distribution and provides significant value across the agricultural landscape, enabling farmers to pursue innovations in the field, giving birth to new social enterprises and bringing significant changes in their respective communities.