MUNOZ, Nueva Ecija — The Philippines is collaborating with South Korea for the construction of a rice seed processing facility and warehouse with cold storage in this science city.
According to the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), South Korea has provided $4.5 million for the construction of a new rice seed processing facility and cold storage warehouse.
The agency stated that this will "help increase the utilization rate of high-quality certified rice seed, improve self-sufficiency in rice production and enhance food security."
Global Agricultural Policy Institute project manager Dr. Byung Ki Lee said that the rice seed processing facility and cold storage warehouse are expected to help increase the utilization rate of high-quality certified rice seeds, improve self-sufficiency in rice production, and enhance food security in the Philippines.
The collaboration between the Philippines and South Korea marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties, the proponents said.
With a completion date of 2026, the project aims to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the rice supply chain through modern rice seed processing facilities, equipment provision and advanced technology transfer.
The National Food Authority is also involved in the project that was initiated in October 2019, and gained headway last May with the signing of a record of discussion outlining the two countries' mutual objectives.
PhilRice executive director Dr. John C. de Leon expressed his gratitude for Korea's generosity and his hope to pay it forward by improving the county's rice sector.