Korean Ambassador commits to contribute to Phil agriculture industry

By Vicente W. Villavert

Friday 16th of March 2012

ILOILO CITY, March 16 (PIA 6) -- Ambassador Lee Hye Min of the Republic of Korea expressed his country’s commitment to strengthen its contribution for the growth of the Philippines’ agriculture industry.

Ambassador Lee Hye Min was in Iloilo for the turn-over ceremony of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) rice processing complex (RPC) in Barangay Amamaros, Pototan, Iloilo, where he stressed that the event is a “significant milestone in our two countries’ continuing and deepening development cooperation”.

He said that the Korean people and government remain always appreciative of the invaluable support and assistance extended by the Philippines during the Korean War.

“In recent years, the assistance provided by the Korean government has ranged from irrigation, rice production, sea food processing, agro-industrial development and livestock improvement,” the Korean ambassador said.

He said that the Korean government through the KOICA agreed with the Philippine government to construct four RPCs in the Philippines in addition to the first RPC in Aurora province in 2006. Other RPCs are located in Pangasinan, Bohol, and Davao del Sur.

The RPC in Iloilo is a joint undertaking of the KOICA, the Department of Agriculture, Provincial Government of Iloilo, and the Municipality of Pototan, with the project amount of US$3.25 million.

The Korean Ambassador said that the completion of RPC-Iloilo is expected to enhance further the efficiency in rice production and processing system, thereby improving food security and augmenting rural income.

“In the months to come I am optimistic that this additional RPC will lead to realize rice production and contribute to domestic growth as well as poverty reduction in the Philippines,” the Korean Ambassador said.

The Iloilo RPC is expected to help prop up the local economy by creating direct employment and livelihood opportunities, said Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala

“This facility will make a significant contribution for the growth of the agriculture industry in the province and likewise help improve the lot of the Ilonggos,” Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor said. (JCMVWV-PIA 6 Iloilo)