JICA facilitates mulberry tea project in Pampanga

San Fernando, Pampanga – The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has vowed to support a mulberry tea project in Pampanga.

JICA senior representative Yuko Tanaka said the agency funded the prefeasibility study on the mulberry tea project as part of efforts to bring in more investments in the agricultural sector.

“This project is actually in line with the JICA’s current administration’s Zero Plus Ten Point Agenda of inclusive development. So, now, the shift is from Metro Manila to the region,” Tanaka said during a welcome dinner.

Japanese firm Kuwanosato Inc. of Yamanashi Prefecture of Japan will be providing expertise and technology to the Pampanga State Agricultural University through a grant from the JICA.It processes and exports mulberry tea.

Tanaka said the project leverages the technology of mulberry tea planting so the farmers could produce high value crops and increase their livelihood.

“Through the mulberry tea project, we hope to revitalize and create new opportunities in Pampanga especially in the agriculture sector in the rest of Central Luzon,” she said.

Tanaka is confident that the partnership will improve the quality of life of many Filipinos. “It is very good for the health especially for diabetics. So, feel free to drink the tea,” she said. Kuwanosato manager Han Sonmin expects this initiative to boost the local food sufficiency and promote an economically viable agriculture production of mulberry. “I would like to share a lively future of our agriculture. I will stake my life and put forward my best effort to ensure the success of mulberry tea business in the province of Pampanga. I hope through this venture, we will further improve PhilippineJapan relations,” Sonmin said. Pampanga governor Lilia Pineda has expressed gratitude to Kuwanosato, PSAU and JICA for introducing mulberry farming and seeking ways to augment the income of farmers in Pampanga. “Mulberry farming if realized would be a big help for farmers and their families. We are here to continuously support the agricultural sector and welcome the introduction of new agricultural technology and production like mulberry so we can improve their way of living,” Pineda said. The group plans to start planting in the hilly areas of Magalang, Floridablanca, Porac and Mabalacat City in Pampanga.