City of San Fernando – Yamanashi, Japan Governor Hitoshi Goto visited Pampanga province to strengthen ties with Governor Lilia ‘Nanay’ Pineda and to receive the conferment of Doctor of Humanities from the Philippine State Agricultural University (PSAU).
It can be recalled that Dr. Lilia ‘Nanay’ Pineda was the first governor who was conferred as a doctor of humanities for her full support to PSAU and its students.
The Yamanashi Governor made a personal visit to introduce his province to Pineda, as well as the Kuwanosato Corporation of Japan and its plan to build a state-of-the-art mulberry tea processing facility in Magalang town that is seen to generate more employment and profitability in the province.
He also mentioned that with the help of Han Seong Min, president of Kuwanosato, they are willing to share best practices to be adapted by the province, such as agricultural modernization to help develop Pampanga’s agro-industry. He also said that with a student exchange program, they can train the students on how to make mulberry tea.
Governor Goto urged the Kapampangans to visit Yamanashi to experience the to bountiful nature, drink the delicious water, and good weather condition. He said Yamanashi is actually the healthiest prefecture in Japan. He added that Yamanashi is number one when it comes to ease of raising children and living a long, healthy life.
“Yamanashi water has a 40 percent share of the Japanese mineral water market that is why people in Yamanashi live a long healthy life because of water and a healthy clean environment,” Yamanashi Governor said.
On behalf of Pampanga Governor Lilia ‘Nanay’ Pineda, Sangguniang Panlalawigan members Jun Canlas, Cherry Manalo, Benny Jocson, Moshe Lacson, Rosve Henson, Anthony Joseph Torres and Renato Mutuc, Provincial Investment Promotion Office (PIPO) Head Lulu Alingcastre, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office of the Province (ACTOP) staff and Provincial Information Office (PIO) headed by Joel Mapiles together with PSAU President Honorio Soriano Jr welcomed Governor Hitoshi Goto at Royce Hotel Clark.
On the part of the provincial government, a video about Pampanga and its potentials in tourism and agriculture plus the Megalopolis plan was presented and immediately the governor of Yamanashi asked for a copy of the video so they could show it in a local television in Japan.
It can be recalled that a three-year trial for mulberry trees grown at the foot of Mt. Arayat was a success, which urged them [Kuwanosato Corporation] to allot P15-million for the Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for its tea processing facility.
Moreover, the provincial government is confident that thru the university, they possibly can introduce the adaptation.
The provincial government thanked the Yamanashi Governor and the Kuwansonato for its effort to offer opportunities in the province, particularly in the farming sector.
Hitoshi Goto also offered to share with the province its practices in solid waste management. –LEAH ISIDRO DE FIESTA