MANILA: The Japanese Embassy in Manila has turned over PHP3.8 million worth of post-harvest equipment and facility to help the farmers of Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro mechanize their crop drying process.

The official development assistance (ODA) is part of Japan’s continuing Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) in the Philippines.

The embassy earlier awarded the PHP3.8-million grant to Calintaan municipal government to help its farmers reduce losses, most of whom still use the traditional method of sun drying.

‘Sun drying depends heavily on weather conditions, and crops on public roads are susceptive to being blown away or run over by vehicles,’ the embassy said Friday.

‘As a result, farmers lose or cannot sell 10 percent of all crops due to damage incurred during the drying process, significantly straining their livelihoods,’ it added.

Embassy Second Secretary Tokiko Nishimura, who led the turnover ceremony together with Calintaan Mayor Dante Esteban on May 23, is expecting thi
s project to ‘set a positive trend within the farming community, not only in Calintaan but also in neighboring towns’.

She hoped that the grant would aid in sustaining the vital role of Calintaan as one of the major producers of rice in Occidental Mindoro.

Japan is the country’s top ODA donor, with the GGP as one of its flagship programs to help the country reduce poverty and help various communities engage in grassroots activities.

To date, 562 grassroots projects have been implemented under the GGP.

‘Japan believes that these projects will strengthen the friendship between Japan and the Philippines and contribute to sustaining strategic partnerships between the two countries,’ it said.

Source: Philippines News Agency