Representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) paid a courtesy visit to PCAF last June 19, 2023 to discuss the status as well as the ways forward in the utilization of the Grant Assistance for the Food Security Project for Underprivileged Farmers (2KR) funds.

“We are happy to meet our counterparts in PCAF,” said Oshima Jiro, JICA’s new Senior Representative, JICA Agri Section. “We recognize the difficulty to reconcile the 2KR given its long history.” 

Jahensi Supanga of the Planning, Monitoring and Knowledge Management Division (PMKMD) reported on the updates on the reconciliation of PCAF-managed Japan 2KR funds. Some of the projects funded by the 2KR are Agrikultura: Kaagapay ng Bayang Pinoy Program, Special Vehicle Loan Fund (SVLF), Farm Level Grain Center (FLGC), Small-scale Irrigation Projects (SSIP) and Tipid Abono Fertilization Program.

“We are also looking at some areas for us to continue our partnership to support our stakeholders in the area of food security and resiliency to our changing climate,” said PCAF Executive Director Nestor Domenden. “And perhaps we may include facilities to control the spread of diseases now confronting the industry.”

The Philippines has been a recipient of the Japan 2KR from 1977 to 2008. Officially known as the Japan Grant Assistance for the Food Security Project for Underprivileged Farmers, Japan 2KR, is a commodity assistance program from the Government of Japan (GOJ). It is a form of bilateral Official Development Assistance (ODA) without the obligation of repayment. The purpose of the program is to support the independent efforts of recipient developing countries to improve the production of staple foods such as rice, corn, and wheat.

The program extends agricultural commodity grants that are necessary for the implementation of projects that will promote increased food production including fertilizers, agricultural chemicals, and agricultural machinery and equipment.

Under the Program, the NAFC, now PCAF, is responsible for monetizing these commodity grants through competitive bidding. The proceeds are then used to support the government’s efforts in priming up its economic and social development programs.

The guests from JICA also included Shmizu Mikako, JICA Senior Representative, Sherilyn Aoyama, JICA Senior Program Officer, and Katrin Joy Angeles, JICA Program Officer.

Also present during the meeting were Julieta Opulencia, PCAF Deputy Executive Director, Cyril Soliaban, AFMD Chief, Ken Ryan Eleazar, AFMD Cash Section Chief, Floreliz Avellana, PMKMD Chief, and Catherine Viray, PMKMD Assistant Division Chief.

   

The same group, with the addition of representatives from the Bureau of Treasury and NEDA, will have a liaison committee meeting in August 2023. | BM