As committed, Taiwan through Representative Wallace M.G. Chow of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines on behalf of the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), handed over the first batch of 1,000 metric tons of milled rice to the Philippines today in a simple turnover ceremony.
The donation was received by Chairman and Resident Representative Silvestre H. Bello III of Manila Economic and Cultural Office. Joining Chairman Bello in the ceremonial turnover of the rice donation were officials from the Department of Agriculture (DA), etc.
In his remarks, Representative Chow said Taiwan has prioritized agriculture development and food security cooperation with the government of the Philippines as climate change has affected greatly the farming industry in the country. He pointed out that rice donation is yet another testament of the solid collaboration among other ongoing projects between the Philippines and Taiwan, such as the Taiwan Technical Mission on Agriculture in Tarlac, the Mushroom Demonstration Farm in Baguio and the Filipino Young Farmers Internship Program in Taiwan. Chow also emphasized that Taiwan is a reliable partner to the Philippines, and this valued partnership will continue when we help and respect each other.
In response to the insufficient food supply caused by climate change, the Taiwan government committed to donate 2,000 metric tons of milled rice to the Philippine government. The donated rice will serve as additional food security stocks to be distributed by Department of Social Welfare Development in collaboration with DA to the pro-poor and relief operation programs following the occurrence of calamity. MECO was assigned to receive these donated rice on behalf of the Philippine government.
