Press Releases
Signing and Exchange of Notes Concerning the Grant Assistance “Economic and Social Development Program” to the Republic of the Philippines (Provision of Rice Post-Harvest Handling Equipment)
October 16, 2025
On October 16, in Manila, the capital of the Republic of the Philippines, Mr. ONO Sho, Charge d’Affaires ad interim of Japan to the Republic of the Philippines, and H.E. Ms. Maria Theresa P. Lazaro, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, signed and exchanged notes concerning the Grant Aassistance “Economic and Social Development Program” for the provision of rice post-harvest processing equipment (grant amount: 1.7 billion yen).
- In the Philippines, supply of rice (staple food) cannot keep pace with demand, making it the world's largest rice importer at 4.7 million tons annually (FY 2024). The insufficient supply of domestically produced rice stems from issues such as post-harvest losses and the lack or deterioration of equipment needed for post-harvest processing. Ensuring food security is an urgent priority of the country.
- Under this cooperation, post-harvest processing equipment necessary for drying, storing, and milling rice will be provided to the Philippines. This Program is expected to contribute to the Philippines economic and social development through social stabilization by strengthening post-harvest processing capacity for domestically produced rice as well as ensuring food security in the Philippines.
(Reference) Basic Data on the Republic of the Philippines
The Republic of the Philippines has an area of approximately 300,000 square kilometers, a population of about 115.84 million people (2024, World Bank), and a gross national income (GNI) per capita is 4,470 USD (2024, World Bank).