By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr. 

In another meaningful collaboration, the Japan International Cooperation Agency has tapped the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) and the Takara, Inc. in conducting a survey on the value chain of black garlic in the Philippines. 

Confirming the development activity, the Minutes of the Meeting (MoM) for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Business Verification Survey with the Private Sector was signed by MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis, JICA Philippines Chief Representative Sakamoto Takema, and Takara Inc. President Takarada Kimio today, April 28, at the Official Residence of the Ambassador of Japan in North Forbes Park, Makati City. 

During the event, the three parties affirmed their commitment to make the development activity successful. They also expressed hope that the survey will help improve livelihood in the country through garlic cultivation and processing, and greatly contribute in attaining national garlic self-sufficiency. 

The signing ceremony was keynoted by Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines, Koshikawa Kazuhiko.

Dr. Dionisio Bucao, chief of MMSU garlic research center, said the survey seeks to verify and promote the business model in producing high-quality black garlic, and its value chain. It will be conducted in Ilocos Norte, Metro Manila, and Batanes Island. 

The MoM contains the survey outline and the main points discussed between the university and two Japan institutions. As agreed, Takara, Inc. will implement the survey, while the JICA will supervise the overall activities. For its part, MMSU will cooperate with Takara in ensuring the successful implementation of the survey. 

The survey is expected to identify cultivated varieties with large size and less cloves for black garlic; formulate cultivation methods that improve productivity in line with local conditions; come up with a high-quality black garlic processing method; and, verify the practicality of multiple distribution formats for the value chain model. 

This initiative is part of JICA’s public-private partnership programs to demonstrate Japanese enterprises’ technologies that respond effectively to specific development challenges.

JICA and Takara are long-standing partners of MMSU in producing world-class black garlic for local and international markets. These institutions continue to explore other areas for meaningful collaboration toward human security and quality growth in the province. (HLY/JVBT, StratCom)