The APTERR Secretariat participated in the ceremonial handover and actual distribution of 300-MT rice contributed by Japan on 17 August 2023 in Legazpi city, Albay province, the Philippines. The ceremony marked a significant step in providing crucial support to 10,000 families in Region V severely affected by the recent eruption of Mayon Volcano.
The ceremony was attended by the respective delegates including H.E. Mr. Nihei Daisuke, Minister for Economic Affairs of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines; Mr. Domingo F. Panganiban, Senior Undersecretary of the Department of Agriculture; Mr. Michael Christopher R. Mathay, Director III of the Department of Social Welfare and Development; Hon. Edcel Greco A. B. Lagman, Provincial Governor of Albay; Hon. Carlos Irwin G. Baldo, JR., Mayor of Municipality of Camalig; Mr. Osmundo R. Guinto, JR., Acting Regional Director of NFA Region V; and Mr. Gerard V. Lim, Acting Asst. Regional Manager, Region V, NFA. Meanwhile, the representatives from the APTERR Secretariat consisted of Dr. Choomjet Karnjanakesorn, General Manager (GM); Mr. Akinori Ando, Japanese Expert; Ms. Jansinee Kankaew, Head of Implementation; Ms. Bussapailyn Shimphalee, Staff for Implementation; and Ms. Sita Kumpol, Secretary to Japanese Expert.
During the ceremony, the GM of APTERR Secretariat emphasised the significance of the rice donation. It not only symbolises an assistance in the form of physical provisions, but also carries a message of hope, unity, and resilience for the victims to rebuild their communities after grappling with the aftermath of the eruption. Moreover, Dr. karnjanakesorn reiterated the APTERR Secretariat and the member countries continuously collaborate to reinforces their commitment to efficiently distributing the rice assistance during times of crisis in order to strengthening food security and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
