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South Korean Ambassador hopeful of KOICA-funded QIRD replication beyond Quirino Province

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.

South Korea Ambassador, His Excellency Lee Sang-Hwa emphasizes the long history of partnership between the Phlippines and Korea as he commends the success of KOICA projects in the province. (Photo courtesy by PLGU Quirino)

He further stated that from 2018 through 2024, KOICA implemented the QIRD, the second phase of the project by investing approximately $11 million to set up an integrated agroforestry model farm and to establish the Q-LiFE Center for value chain formation as well as a Cattle Breeding Center for the development of the local livestock industry.

“I thank Honorable Governor Dakila Carlo Cua for his tireless efforts and dedication to elevate the livelihood of his constituents. As the Philippines is an archipelago, ensuring equitable development across the country’s more than 7,000 islands is critical to the goals of an upper middle-income country. With his recent election as National President of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines and National Chairman for League of Provinces of the Philippines, I wish the governor all the best,” Ambassador Sang Hwa-Lee added.

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)



South Korean Ambassador, His Excellency Lee-Sang Hwa receives a Quirino coffee table book from Governor Dax Cua containing the province's history and portrait, during the culminating activity of QIRDP in Mandaluyong, Metro Manila. (Photo courtesy by PLGU Quirino)

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