The Japan Agricultural Exchange Council (JAEC) is proposing to build a solar-powered cold storage facility in Buguias, Benguet.
The facility, which is estimated to cost P82 million will be funded by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs under its Safe Vegetable Production with Marketing Technology Improvement project in the Philippines.
The proposal is under review by the National Economic and Development Authority, according to the Department of Agriculture.
The proposed project will be reviewed by the Department of Finance and the Department of Foreign Affairs before being approved by the Office of the President.
“The aim is to capacitate farmers to improve production through the Safe Vegetable from Rich Soil (Savers) technology, which enriches the soil by using organic matter such as mokusaku (wood vinegar),” the DA said on Sept. 7, referring to the details of its discussion with JAEC the day before.
Once approved, a memorandum of agreement will be drafted and signed by the DA and JAEC.
In a statement, JAEC senior local coordinator Toshiharo Sato said he wishes to have the project implemented at the soonest possible time, for many Filipino farmers are waiting for the project.
DA Sec. William Dar is hoping for its approval before the end of the Duterte administration.
He called for the creation of a steering committee to facilitate the approval process.
Dar also asked JAEC representatives to review its procurement process and to prepare the project design for immediate implementation once approved. – PNA
April 27, 2024
