MANILA – The South Korean government promoted local agricultural and livestock products as part of its project to increase the income of local farmers in Quirino Province through an Agricultural Value Chain Workshop held in Manila.
According to the Embassy of the Republic of South Korea in the Philippines, the event was spearheaded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to support the Quirino Integrated Rural Development Project (QIRDP) Phase 2.
The project started last 2018 and is set to run until 2024 with an allotment of USD 10.95 million.
KOICA Country Director Kim Eunsub expressed his pleasure in carrying out the second phase of the QIRDP and in sharing the significant achievements with various people. He said, “A deep cooperative relationship between the Republic of Korea and the Philippines was established through this project with the Provincial Government of Quirino.”
Under the project, KOICA’s aim is to create added value in the agricultural and livestock industry of local farmers of Quirino Province by supporting the introduction of an agroforestry-based farming model, distribution of high-quality breeds through the Cattle Breeding Centre with equipment provision, and the establishment of agricultural and livestock produce processing centre called Q-LiFE Center.
Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sanghwa congratulated KOICA for its the successful completion of the Q-LiFE Center, mentioning that the agricultural and livestock products displayed are the symbol of hope and growth as the Philippines and the Republic of Korea march towards the 75th anniversary of its diplomatic relations in 2024.
“Let us continue to build, deepen, and strengthen the harmonious relationship between the Republic of Korea and the Philippines,” Ambassador Lee said.
During the workshop, KOICA has set up an exhibition booth to promote a total of 20 products, including six types of meat products, eight types of breads, ginger tea, fruit juice and other items processed at the Q-LiFE Center.
An investment forum was also organized targeting agricultural buyers to secure additional sales channels.
KOICA also launched 27 food products and 19 eco-friendly agricultural and livestock products produced in Quirino Province through Southeast Asia’s largest e-commerce platform “Shopee” and is expected to generate additional income for the local farmers.
Around 300 people attended the event, including Ambassador Lee, Country Director Kim of KOICA Philippines Office, Undersecretary Deogracias Victor B. Savellano of the Department of Agriculture, and Governor Dakila Carlo Cua of Quirino Province.
