MANDALUYONG CITY (PIA) -- South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Sang Hwa-Lee expressed optimism that the KOICA-funded Quirino Integrated Rural Development (QIRD) project will serve as a model for replication beyond the Province of Quirino saying the products from Quirino, are not just tangible outputs of the project but, more importantly, they are symbols of hope and growth and of cultivating a future teeming with possibilities.

In his message during the Quirino Livelihood for Everyone (Q-LiFE) Product Launching and QIRD Culminating Event at the Podium Hall here, Ambassador Sang Hwa-Lee noted the timeliness of the event as the country’s move to ensure food security and stabilize the agriculture sector are gaining more traction.

“Significantly, the signing of the Korea-Philippines Free Trade Agreement last week clearly indicates that we should further enhance our countries’ partnership through increased trade and investment. As it happens, Philippine agricultural products are one of the key commodities to benefit from the FTA,” the ambassador said.

The product launch and marketing event of the Q-LiFE as well as the QIRD culmination are the result of the combined efforts of all the stakeholders, including the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Province of Quirino, and Hankyung National University.

“Since its inception in 2017, the project has come a long way. During the first phase, the Quirino Integrated Agricultural Development Project (QIADP), KOICA assisted local communities in constructing farm-to-market roads, building feed mills and mushroom production facilities, and improving agroforestry technologies,” the ambassador said.

He likewise stressed that, as the Korean Ambassador to the country, which has a long history of friendship with Korea, the success story of the said KOICA project in Quirino fills his heart with joy and pride because it demonstrates what can be achieved when two nations work together with a unity of purpose.

“As the Philippines and Korea celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, this kind of mutual trust continues to be the cornerstone of our bilateral ties. And as we move forward to a brighter tomorrow, the Korean Embassy and KOICA will stay on as your reliable partners,” Ambassador Sang Hwa-Lee assured. (TCB/PIA Quirino)