Japan extends P377 million grant for sugar farmers

MANILA, Philippines — The Japanese government has provided P377 M or 800 million yen to help sugarcane farmers boost their production.

The grant aims to support sugarcane farmers through the provision of agricultural machinery such as tractors, harrows, whole-stalk sugarcane planters and mulchers.

“The sugarcane industry is one of the cornerstones of the Philippine economy. This initiative will strengthen the sugar sector through reduced production costs and increased productivity,” the Embassy of Japan said.

“More than 84,000 Filipino sugarcane farmers, whose meager sources of income are aggravated by the coronavirus disease or COVID-19 pandemic, stand to benefit from this grant aid,” it said.

Meanwhile, the Sugar Regulatory Administration said the Japanese grant would be distributed to qualified and SRA-accredited planters organizations or foundations and block farms.

SRA administrator Hermenegildo Serafica said a service fee for the Japan procurement agent would be deducted from the grant amount, while SRA will shoulder the duties and taxes once the farm machineries and farm implement arrive in the customs territory.

The program development aspect started in 2018 and originated from the commitment of Japan under the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement which was pushed by the Department of Agriculture.

SRA is now preparing the implementing guidelines based on the initial agreement with the Department of Finance and the government of Japan.