The Department of Agriculture (DA) and DENSO Philippines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on February 13, 2025 to modernize agricultural practices and enhance the productivity and sustainability of the high-value crops sector through the integration of modern education and technology.
The DA was represented by Undersecretary for High Value Crops Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero, while DENSO Philippines was represented by its President, Yuji Torii. Both officials underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing agricultural innovations to improve farmers’ productivity and ensure food security in the country.
As stipulated in the MOU, the DA will provide access to research facilities for demonstrations, designate a focal person for coordination and monitoring, and track participants’ progress through the DA-Agricultural Training Institute. The program will also develop information, education, and communication materials on farming production and establish linkages with other DA initiatives for technology adoption and project replication.
“This partnership directly supports the DA-High Value Crops Development Program’s (DA-HVCDP) objective of expanding economic growth for Philippine high-value crops. It also aligns with DENSO PH’s philosophy of contributing to a better world by creating value together with a vision for the future,” said Usec. Natividad-Caballero.
By leveraging DENSO Philippines’ advanced learning platform, which is anchored on man-machine complementation, farmers and agricultural professionals in the country will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to ensure the consistent delivery of high-value crops that meet both domestic and international standards.
“We will not stop these kinds of activities. We will continue to develop and enhance them for the future, especially to improve the Philippines’ food security,” President Yuji Torii stressed.
DENSO Philippines, traditionally known for manufacturing automotive components, has also expanded into agriculture. As part of this collaboration, the company will provide DA-nominated personnel and targeted learners with access to its hydroponic Smart AgriTech Farm in Ibaan, Batangas where participants will undergo short-term training and educational tours to benchmark best practices in innovative farming technologies. Moreover, DENSO Philippines will assist the department in replicating these successful technologies and standardized farming methods at DA research facilities.
Other officials present at the ceremony included DA-HVCDP Director Joseph Manicad, DA-HVCDP Deputy Director Anne Glyn Lisbo, Bureau of Plant Industry Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban, and DENSO Philippines Vice President Ms. Veronica Aleli Garcia. ### (Ira Cruz, DA-AFID)
