DAVAO CITY—Japan turned over P2.91 billion worth of projects for agriculture and agrarian reform program for seven provinces in Mindanao.
The assistance came in the form of 47 projects under the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development, or J-BIRD program.
The Japan Embassy in
Manila said the project consisted of 16 infrastructure facilities, and 31
agribusiness and agro-forestry development subprojects to the Provinces of
Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, Davao del Sur, Davao de Oro, North Cotabato, South
Cotabato and
Sultan Kudarat.
Embassy of Japan’s Minister Masahiro Nakata participated in the ceremonial turnover in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, of 47 subprojects under the Mindanao Sustainable Agrarian and Agricultural Development (MinSAAD) Project.
The turnover was done on February 26. Agrarian Reform Secretary John S. Castriciones also graced the event, the embassy said.
In his speech, Nakata said the “immense development potential of Mindanao, MinSAAD is a symbol of assurance that this island will not be left behind.”
He said the assistance amounting to ¥6,063 million (P2.91 billion) was part of bringing progress closer to farmers on the ground.
The facilities include farm-to-market roads, bridges, postharvest installations and rural water systems.
“Japan believes that the long-term impacts on the lives of many agrarian reform beneficiaries far outweigh the resources devoted to these projects,” he added.