EMBASSY EXPRESS — On 27 April 2026, Ambassador ENDO Kazuya signed a grant contract 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” with the Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement International (OISCA International), a Japanese non-governmental organization (NGO).
The total grant amounting to USD 199,122 (approximately PHP 11.90 million*1) is supported under the Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects.
The project aims to support livelihoods in communities across Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, and Misamis Oriental by expanding their participation in the silk industry. Their knowledge and skills in sericulture will be enhanced through short-term hands-on training and farm visits. Joint seminars and trial implementations in collaboration with the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) will also be conducted, enabling farmers in Benguet and Nueva Vizcaya to gain more competence in silkworm rearing, cocoon harvesting, and sorting.
To support sustainable production, the project also includes mulberry garden development and infrastructure enhancement. Farmers will receive mulberry seedlings, fertilizers, and guidance on planting and maintenance to ensure a reliable food source for silkworms.
Additionally, late instar silkworm rearing houses and facilities with sericulture equipment will be developed. Regular monitoring by project personnel and PTRI will ensure proper implementation and technical support.
In the Philippines, the Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects was initiated in 2002. Since then, the Government of Japan has awarded contracts for 70 projects in the Philippines under this scheme, amounting to JPY 2.121 billion (approximately 794 million pesos*2) in total. Japan believes that these projects will not only strengthen the friendship between the peoples of the Philippines and Japan, but also bolster the existing strategic partnership between the two countries.
*1 Exchange Rate from BSP: 1 USD=PHP 59.7700 (as of April 13, 2026)
*2 Exchange Rate from BSP: 1 JPY=PHP 0.3745 (as of April 13, 2026)
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