The Modification to the Memorandum of Cooperation for the Release and Utilisation of Earmarked Stocks under the Tier 1 Programme of ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve Earmarked between the Philippines and Japan was successfully signed on 11 October 2024 in Palawan, the Philippines. This extension will continue the Tier 1 cooperation for another three-year phase (CY 2024-2027).
Administrator Dr. Larry R. Lacson of the National Food Authority (NFA) was present as a signatory from the Philippines, while Director Mr. Hirano of the Grain Trade and Operation Division, Crop Production Bureau, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), Japan represented Japan. Meanwhile, General Manger (GM) Dr. Choomjet Karnjanakesorn of the APTERR Secretariat served as a witness of this significant signing.
(L-R) Administrator Dr. Larry R. Lacson of NFA, GM Dr. Choomjet Karnjanakesorn of the APTERR Secretariat and Director Mr. Hirano of the Grain Trade and Operation Division, Crop Production Bureau, MAFF-Japan
This is the only Tier 1 cooperation since the APTERR Agreement was signed in 2011. During the event, Dr. Karnjanakesorn encouraged both countries to utilise the earmarked stocks not only gain experience for quick and effective implementation but also to set a role model for other members to participate in the programme.
The Philippines and Japan has signed the Tier 1 MoC since 2018 with a committed amount of 10,000 MT of earmarked stocks. This is the third phase of cooperation. The APTERR Secretariat has been actively encouraging the APTERR members for the ultilisation of earmarked stocks, which has a total amount of 787,000 MT through both Tier 1 and Tier 2 programmes, to help the APTERR members diversifying their rice supply sources, ensuring food stability and resilience in response to the unforeseen emergencies.
The event was hosted by the NFA and attended by officials from the Philippines, including Acting Regional Manager Atty. Marko C. Callanta of NFA Region IV, Acting Department Manager Mr. Roy Q. Untiveros and Acting Division Manager Ms. Rosalyn D. Comia of the Operations Coordination Department and local NFA officers. From Japan, Deputy Director Mr. Toshiki Tojo of the Grain Trade and Operation Division, MAFF-Japan and First Secretary Mr. Hidenori Akasaka of the Japan Embassy in the Philippines were also present. Additionally, from the APTERR Secretariat, Japanese Expert Mr. Akinori Ando, Head of implementation Ms. Jansinee Kankaew, Technical Staff for FEMI Ms. Nattavadee Sraprathum and Secretary of Japanese Expert Ms. Sita Kumpol were in attendance.
Photo credit: NFA Palawan and APTERR Secretariat