The government of Japan, funded through Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan program, has turned over the Banisilan Rubber Production, Processing and Marketing Enterprise to the Philippine government. The turnover ceremony was led by Embassy of Japan’s First Secretary Kenji Terada August 3, 2016.
The rubber processing plant is part of “The Mindanao Sustainable Agrarian and Agriculture Development (MinSAAD)”, in the Municipality of Banisilan, North Cotabato Province.
Japanese Embassy in Manila said the total loan support for this project amounts to Six Billion Sixty Three Million yen (￥6,063,000,000), equivalent to Two Billion Six Hundred Thirty Six Million pesos (PHP2,636,000,000).
This project aims to expand rubber production area to 2,200 hectares and produce 696 metric ton rubber crumb or PhP36.9 million annual sale.
MinSAAD as part of J-BIRD, aims to improve farm efficiency, mobility of farm products and commercial goods, and enhance the quality of life of farmers.
“In previous years, farmers used to the majority of harvests in these areas focused on corn. Through this program, the rubber facilities will benefit and empower the farmers and their families with increased income from rubber production, generate livelihood opportunities as well as improve the farmers’ income and economic status in Banisilan and the surrounding municipalities,” the Japanese Embassy said.
