The United Kingdom and the Philippines are expanding cooperation on sustainable agriculture in Iloilo, where a new partnership aims to reduce post-harvest losses, improve rice harvesting and turn rice straw into products such as compost, biochar and renewable energy feedstocks.
The Iloilo Provincial Government, Municipality of Pototan and UK company Straw Innovations Inc. signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding aimed at improving rice harvesting, milling and straw management in the province.
The agreement was signed by Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., representing the provincial government; Pototan Mayor Rafael Enrique Lazaro; and Jay-Rness D. Ceria, brand and marketing manager of Straw Innovations Inc.
Ellen Anthony, second secretary for climate at the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, also attended the signing.
The partnership centers on improving operations in and around the Rice Processing Complex in Pototan, including better coordination between rice harvesting and processing.
Under the agreement, the parties will coordinate the scheduling and use of combine harvesters with the drying and milling operations of the Rice Processing Complex. The goal is to reduce delays and post-harvest losses while making harvesting more efficient.
Straw Innovations will provide combine harvesters, technical support and operator orientation, as well as assist with equipment deployment and maintenance.
The company will also work with local partners to promote better management of rice straw through collection, mulching, composting and other sustainable practices.
Rice straw, which is commonly treated as agricultural waste after harvest, can instead be converted into useful materials and inputs, including compost and biochar, as well as feedstocks for renewable energy.
The initiative is expected to help farmers get greater value from their harvests while supporting more climate-resilient agricultural practices.
The Iloilo Provincial Government will oversee coordination through its Provincial Technical Working Group and ensure that the activities are aligned with existing agricultural programs, including the Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Enhancement Strategy-Rice.
Pototan’s municipal government will identify farmer groups and coordinate local harvesting activities. It will also help inform farmers about the voluntary coordination of harvesting schedules with the Rice Processing Complex.
Beyond improving harvesting and milling efficiency, the collaboration is designed to create new income opportunities for farmers and strengthen agricultural communities in Iloilo.
The partnership brings together UK expertise, private-sector innovation and local government leadership in an effort to develop more sustainable approaches to rice production and post-harvest management.
The MOU will remain effective for three years and may be renewed through a written agreement among the participating parties.
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