CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela (PIA) -- The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and Korea Rural Community Corporation officials led the groundbreaking for the construction of a 540-square-meter warehouse with a cold storage facility at Barangay Malasin, San Mateo, Isabela.

The construction of the facility is funded through a grant from the South Korean government as part of its Official Development Aid to include the installation of needed equipment and digitalized apparatus.

Dr. Byung Ki Lee of the South Korean government, through architectural and structural expert Myong Joon Kim, expressed his shared vision for the project emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation to support Filipino farmers.

He stressed that a better facility will improve the capacity of the province to store its rice produce properly. 

PhilRice Executive Director John De Leon said the South Korean government gave a total of $4.5 million in investments for the project to enhance the country’s capacity for rice seed distribution. 

“This project also aims to improve the rice supply chain and buffer stocks not only in this province, which is a rice producer but in the whole country as well,” De Leon said.

He also said the partnership is focused on strengthening linkages among implementers and partners within the rice supply chain to ensure food security and economic stability.

The official also said PhilRice is committed to modernizing rice inventory, storage, and distribution. 

“It will also enhance the capacity of PhilRice and the National Food Authority’s inventory program through digitalization,” he added. (MGE / PIA Isabela)