Japan dones 2 metric tons of pre-cooked rice to PH
MINISTER for Economic Affairs, NAKATA Masahiro let the ceremonial turn-over of two metric tons of pre-cooked rice donation from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF), Japan under the framework of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR).
The event was held at the National Food Authority Auditorium in Quezon City on October 8, 2021.
National Food Authority Administrator Judy Carol L. Dansal was present and APTERR Secretariat General Manager Chanpithya Shimpalee virtually conveyed his message. The donated pre-cooked rice will be distributed to families affected by COVID-19 in Quezon City and City of Manila and selected municipalities of Bulacan and Cavite.
APTERR is a regional cooperation among ASEAN+3 countries, which aims to strengthen food security, alleviate poverty, and eradicate malnourishment. This initiative started in 2002 during the ASEAN+3 Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF+3). In 2019, Japan provided 560 metric tons of rice under the APTERR to households from Ilocos Norte affected by Typhoon Ineng (international name Bailu) and those from Pangasinan affected by Typhoon Jenny (international name Podul). In 2020, Japan also provided 425 metric tons of rice to households affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano.
Prior to the ceremonial turnover, virtual ceremonial singing of the modification of cooperation between the NFA and MAFF-Japan to extend the implementation of APTERR Tier1 Program was held.
