The Embassy of Japan on March 19 led the ceremonial turnover of agriculture and fishery inputs to the beleaguered communities of Bohol.

Jumpei Tachikawa, First Secretary and Agriculture Attaché of the Embassy of Japan led the turnover held in Ubay, Bohol. Said initiative by Japan aims at restoring livelihoods and enhancing the resilience of farmers and fisherfolks affected by Typhoon Rai or Odette. Ubay City Mayor Constantino Reyes, President Carlos Garcia City Mayor Fernando, Estavilla, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative in the Philippines Lionel Dabbadie, Department of Agriculture officials, local government officials, and project beneficiaries also graced the event.

Typhoon Odette struck the Philippines in December 2021, causing substantial damage, particularly in the agriculture sector. According to FAO's rapid assessment in Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) and Caraga (Region 13), there has been significant damage to coconut production. In addition, fishermen were unable to continue fishing due to damage to their boats, equipment, and gear. The typhoon also had an impact on local food security.

Recognizing this urgent need for assistance, Japan, pledged a $2 million initiative, partnering with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to address the plight of the farmers and fisherfolks in Bohol, Surigao del Norte, and Southern Leyte.

Jumpei Tachikawa, First Secretary and Agriculture Attaché of the Embassy of Japan (sitting, sixth from left) led the turnover held in Ubay, Bohol.

As part of this project, 30 units of water pumps will be distributed to community-based organizations in the municipalities of Ubay, Mabini, and President Carlos Garcia. These will support the irrigation needs of farmers experiencing rainfall reduction by 60 percent due to El Niño. The project will also provide for the ready-to-lay Bohol native chicken, considered to exhibit high tolerance to harsh weather conditions. Other agriculture and fishery inputs to be provided include assorted lowland vegetable packets, fertilizers, feeds, milkfish fingerlings, and sets of drift gillnet, among others. Along with these inputs, the beneficiaries also received capacity buildings including livelihood training and capacity building on climate information systems or early warning system facilities.

The Japanese government hopes that this effort will inspire impacted people to rebuild from the damages caused by the typhoon.