Eyeing to extend additional support to farming communities in Northern Luzon and Northern Mindanao, the Japanese government is facilitating a grant contract through a new livelihood initiative focused on sericulture, or silk farming.
Japanese ambassador Endo Kazuya recrntly signed the grant with the Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement International for the second phase of the Project to Support the Livelihood of Local People in Northern Luzon and Northern Mindanao Through the Extension and Expansion of Sericulture.
Endo cited that the initiative aims to improve livelihood opportunities for communities in Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya and Misamis Oriental.
Allocated with a grant worth Php 11.9 million, the project will be funded through the Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects.
It was explained that under the grant contract, local farmers and beneficiaries will undergo short-term hands-on training and farm visits to strengthen their knowledge and skills in sericulture.
Joint seminars and pilot activities as well will be conducted in partnership with the Philippine Textile Research Institute to help farmers gain expertise in silkworm rearing, cocoon harvesting and sorting. It also includes the development of mulberry gardens and the enhancement of sericulture infrastructure to support sustainable silk production.