Manila: The Japanese government has reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Philippines to strengthen the sugarcane industry, citing continued cooperation in research, technology, and sustainable farming practices, reports ABS CBN.
In a statement, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines said Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya attended a research presentation and symposium organised by the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) in December 2025. The event was also attended by Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona.
According to the embassy, the programme highlighted recent research efforts aimed at improving productivity, resilience, and environmental sustainability in the local sugarcane sector.
Ambassador Endo said the joint research work by JIRCAS and the SRA, along with modern farming equipment presented by Yanmar Philippines, reflects steady progress towards a more sustainable future for farmers and the sugar industry as a whole. He said Japan remains committed to supporting the Philippines in developing a stronger and more resilient sugarcane sector.
As part of his visit, Ambassador Endo also toured major sugar-producing areas in Negros Occidental, including Bacolod, La Carlota, and Bago, to gain a better understanding of conditions on the ground and ongoing developments in the industry.
