July 26, 2024 | The Korea Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture (KOPIA), in partnership with the Asian Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative (AFACI), marked its 15 years of collaboration in the Philippines. This milestone coincided with the 75th year of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Korea, making it a double celebration at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati.
The celebration highlighted various initiatives of KOPIA and AFACI to develop the country’s agricultural sector and improve crop quality and farmers’ livelihoods through technology transfer, capacity building, pilot village establishment, and sustainable development practices. These initiatives involve sharing advanced agricultural technologies, training Filipino farmers and extension workers, demonstrating the effectiveness of new technologies in crop cultivation, promoting sustainable farming practices, and enhancing the country’s agricultural capabilities to improve crop yields and quality, thus ensuring food security.
In his message, Dr. Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban, Director of the DA-Bureau of Plant Industry (DA-BPI), extended his congratulations to the KOPIA and AFACI for their 15-year journey of partnership and shared vision of advancing agricultural innovation and food security in the Philippines and across Asia.
“The BPI is honored to be a part of this endeavor, working alongside KOPIA, AFACI, Rural Development Administration (RDA), and the Republic of Korea to drive sustainable agricultural development and uplift the lives of our farmers.”
Pilot villages, strategically established in the municipalities of Lucban Quezon, Siniloan in Laguna, and Zaragosa in Nueva Ecija, serve as practical models of agricultural innovation. These villages, in cooperation with DA-BPI, demonstrate the potential of modern farming techniques and community-based development, aiming to improve farming productivity and enhance the income of farmers in the Philippines.
DA Undersecretary For Special Concerns and for Official Development Assistance (DA)-Foreign Aid/Grants Jerome V. Oliveros, on behalf of DA Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr., delivered his message and expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude to KOPIA and AFACI for their valuable support and strong partnership to the Department of Agriculture and commitment in the implementation of various technical cooperation projects towards food security and increase productivity and income of Filipino farmers.
The symposium featured KOPIA’s contribution to the Philippine Rice Industry, the KOPIA and the Development of Innovation Pilot Villages in the Philippines, the AFACI Analysis and Utilization of Food Components in the Philippines, and the AFACI Post-harvest Management of Vegetables. A panel discussion followed with distinguished speakers, including Dr. Norvie L. Manigbas, Scientist Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Dr. Kyuseong Lee, Director KOPIA Philippine Center, Dr. Leila S. Africa, Professor, University of the Philippine Los Baños (UPLB), and Dr. Perlita A. Nuevo, Principal Investigator.
The event was attended by H. E. Lee Sanghwa, Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Embassy of Korea; Dr. Yoo Eunha, Director, KOPIA Division Rural Development Administration (RDA); Dr. Kyuseong Lee, Director KOPIA Philippine Center; Mr. Julian A. Lapita, Consultant, KOPIA Philippine Center, Dr. Emil Q. Javier, Chair, KOPIA Advisory Committee.
Dr. Herminigilda A. Gabertan, BPI Assistant Director For Research, Development, and Production Support Services, Hon. Patrick Elli Z. Go, Mayor of Siniloan, Laguna, and farmers from Lucban Quezon, Siniloan, Laguna, and Zaragosa, Nueva Ecija, also attended the event.
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