THE National Food Authority ( NFA) and the Japanese government are launching a P184.2-million program to modernize the Philippines’ grain-quality testing system.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will provide a grant of P124.4 million, while A will put in P59.8 million in counterpart funding.
The three-year program, running until 2028, will upgrade the A’s Product Quality Evaluation System (PQuEST) by streamlining laboratory facilities at its central office and regional laboratories in Regions 2, 6, and 11 with new testing equipment, and overhauling grain quality assessment protocols.
New operating manuals and testing standards covering 22 laboratory equipment units will also be developed.
A technical personnel will undergo local and overseas training, including rice quality assessment courses in Japan and corn testing technology training in Thailand.
The knowledge gained will be cascaded to A branch offices nationwide to standardize grain quality evaluation across the country.
The project likewise aims to strengthen varietal screening of new grain strains and support the development of improved grain-handling and evaluation technologies.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the program goes beyond equipment upgrades. “By modernizing the A’s laboratories and adopting science-based testing systems, we are equipping the agency with better tools to protect grain quality, support sound policymaking, and enhance the competitiveness of our agriculture sector,” he said.
The A said the initiative is expected to reduce postharvest losses and improve the quality of rice and corn reaching the market, contributing to the country’s broader food security goals.