The governments of the Philippines and South Korea have opened new rice seed processing and cold storage facilities at the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. The project marks PhilRice’s 40th anniversary and aims to modernize the country’s rice seed supply chain.
Funded by Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) and the Korean Rural Community Corporation (KRC), and implemented by the Global Agriculture Policy Institute (GAPI), the facilities are designed to improve seed processing, storage, and shelf life. Officials said the project will help reduce postharvest losses, speed up seed processing, and ensure timely access to high-quality seeds for farmers—supporting national food security and productivity.
MAFRA director Shin Jae Kim said the initiative will “serve as a stepping stone” for advancing the Philippines’ agricultural technology, highlighting the role of people and innovation.
The complex features modern equipment for uniform drying and efficient seed handling, representing ongoing cooperation between Korea and the Philippines to strengthen the rice industry.
A ceremonial signing of the Deed of Donation, along with the turnover of project documents, was held during the event. Officials from the DA, Korean Embassy, MAFRA, KRC, GAPI, and PhilRice led the ribbon-cutting and unveiling of project markers.
