Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Philippine Center for Postharvest
Development and Mechanization
CLSU Compound, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija

NEWS STORIES

BPRE, JICA hold third country training course for Cambodians
by Raymond C. Cruda (October 15, 2009)
The Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension (BPRE) in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) formally started the third batch of the Third Country Training Program (TCTP) on Rice Postharvest Technology and Extension Methodologies on September 30, 2009 at the Bay View Park Hotel, Roxas Blvd. Pasay City.

The TCTP primarily aims to enhance the technical capabilities of the technical staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) on postharvest technology who will eventually serve as trainers for their agricultural extension in Cambodia.

Aside from the 15 participants from MAFF, the JICA Chief Representative Norio Matsuda, His Excellency Ambassador In May of Cambodia and the key officials of BPRE headed by Executive Director Ricardo Cachuela graced the opening program.

Cachuela also delivered the message of Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap during his welcome remarks. "Agriculture is full of risks. It is subject to changing weather conditions and prevailing trade situations. To these, we have two answers: utilization of technology and sufficient knowledge on the primary players, the farmers. We see these as a long term solution to ensure the sustainable productivity not only in rice, but in the whole agriculture sector," he said.

Meanwhile, Matsuda commended the government of the Philippines for the implementation of this year`s training, despite the calamities happening in the country. "The Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension has put so much dedication and effort to see this training program push through. That is why I would like to applaud BPRE for its tireless effort and perseverance", Matsuda said.

Likewise, In May expressed his support for the said training program and he reminded the participants of the good relationship between the two countries, "this country (the Republic of the Philippines) and the Kingdom of Cambodia have a long tradition of friendship and cooperation, based on mutual respect and support for each other", he said.

The TCTP will end on October 29, 2009 and the closing ceremony will be held at the BPRE headquarters in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija.