Korea International Cooperation Agency Philippines - KOICA 필리핀사무소

𝐊𝐎𝐈𝐂𝐀, 𝐃𝐈𝐋𝐆 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐍𝐏 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐇

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police signed the Record of Discussions (RD) for the implementation of the US$6.9 million “Establishment of Criminal Investigation Data Management and Analysis System“ project on May 28, 2026 at the PNP Star Officers’ Lounge, National Headquarters Building, Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City.

The ceremonial signing was held in the presence of key officials from both Korea and the Philippines, including His Excellency LEE Sang-hwa, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines, Mr. Jung Youngsun, Country Director of the KOICA Philippines Office; Mr. Juanito Victor Remulla, Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG); and Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief of the Philippine National Police.

In his welcome remarks, Chief PNP Nartatez mentioned the “enduring partnership between the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea – a partnership built on mutual trust, cooperation, and a shared commitment to safer communities and stronger institutions.” He also said that PNP is “better prepared to build a more responsive, intelligence-driven, and service-oriented police organization” because of the project.

Ambassador LEE highlighted the significance of police cooperation for public safety and law enforcement as this has direct impact on tourism, business and economy. He cited the DILG’s Safer Cities Initiative as statistics have shown that crime rate dropped by more than 16% after its initial implementation in the country.

KOICA Country Director JUNG, in his keynote message, stated that “the significance of this project goes beyond simply building a system. More importantly, it reflects Korea’s strong commitment to supporting the safety and security of the Filipino people by helping establish a more integrated, transparent, and reliable criminal investigation system.” He expressed hope that the project will “contribute to reinforcing public trust in law enforcement institutions and to building a safer and more secure future for generations to come.”

In his closing remarks, DILG Secretary Remulla mentioned the longstanding partnership between the Republic of Korea and the Republic of the Philippines which started during the Korean War. “It shows that today, wherever our fortunes may go, for whatever happens, our countries go a long way. Korea and the Philippines remain partners. And we shall remain partners no matter what happens,” Remulla said.

The project will integrate four separately operated investigation-related systems in the PNP—CIRAS, CIDMS, e-Warrant, e-Rouges—into a single integrated platform to support a more efficient and systematic criminal investigation process. It is a follow-up initiative to the “Enhancing the Criminal Investigation Capability of the Philippine National Police” project, which was implemented from 2016 to 2022, and will continue through 2028. Under the previous project, KOICA provided patrol vehicles, motorcycles, forensic investigation kits, and various activities aimed at strengthening the investigative capacity of the PNP.

Some photos courtesy of PNP PIO

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐲, 𝐊𝐎𝐈𝐂𝐀, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐒𝐀 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐖𝐒 𝟒 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬

Underscoring the importance of continued partnership between Korea and the Philippines, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines, represented by First Secretary Mr. SONG Hyuntae, together with KOICA and PAGASA, conducted a site visit on 26 May 2026, to observe the progress and ongoing implementation of the project “Development of Flood Forecasting and Early Warning System for the Greater Metro Manila and Surrounding Provinces of Laguna Lake Complex for Disaster Mitigation (EWS 4)” [USD 12.7 million, 2021–2027].

The project includes installation of devices and equipment that will provide real-time data essential for monitoring storms, rainfall, and potential flooding, helping communities receive early warnings and enabling local government units to improve disaster response and take proactive measures to protect lives and properties.

During the site visit, PAGASA officials Mr. Socrates Paat, Ms. Sheila Schneider, and Mr. Adrian Garcia led discussions on the project's development alongside KOICA delegates, led by Assistant Country Director Ms. OH Jae Wha. The visit also demonstrated the Korean Embassy's unwavering commitment to closely oversee project ex*****on, extend prompt assistance, and strengthen the Republic of Korea and the Philippines' long-standing collaboration in promoting sustainable development projects.

Through the integration of advanced technology and localized strategies, KOICA Philippines continues to strengthen the resilience of flood-prone communities across the country, reflecting the Korean Government’s sustained support for disaster risk reduction efforts in the Philippines.

𝐊𝐎𝐈𝐂𝐀 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐮𝐳𝐨𝐧

KOICA conducted a two-day monitoring visit on 20–21 May 2026 in project sites in Tarlac and Zambales under the project, “Development of Community-Based Agribusiness to Improve the Livelihood and Income of Marginal Farmers in Central Luzon (2024-2029/USD 6 million).”

Representatives from KOICA, the Project Management Team from the Korea Institute of International Rural Development (IIRD), and DA Regional Field Office III met with beneficiary farmers’ associations and cooperative to assess the progress of project activities, discuss farmers’ needs and challenges, and gather feedback to further improve project implementation and support services.

The project aims to diversify income sources and strengthen the agricultural productivity of farmers covering four barangays in the municipalities of San Marcelino, Zambales and Santa Ignacia, Tarlac.

This year, the construction of the Agribusiness Incubation Center (ABI) at the DA Research Outreach Station for Lahar-Laden Development (RSLL) in Zambales is set to commence. DA will also begin the procurement of various farmer support interventions, including agricultural inputs, farm equipment and machinery, and transportation support. Farm productivity trainings, organizational strengthening activities, and product development trainings continue to be implemented under the project. Five (5) farmers’ associations are currently fulfilling requirements and application as cooperatives.

KOICA remains committed to supporting sustainable rural development and improving the livelihoods of Filipino farmers through inclusive agricultural development programs.

𝐊𝐎𝐈𝐂𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨-𝐇𝐲𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐎𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐨

On May 6, KOICA conducted a monitoring visit and attended the project achievement workshop hosted by CarryGreen, the implementing partner of the Creative Technology Solutions (CTS) Seed 1 Project, the “Development and Distribution of Residential Micro-Hybrid Eco-Friendly Power Supply Equipment in the Philippine Island Region.”

The project aims to address high electricity costs and frequent power outages in Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro by developing and supplying residential micro-hybrid power systems that utilize solar energy and energy storage. Through this initiative, it is expected to reduce household electricity expenses, ensure continued power supply during outages, and promote the use of clean energy in weak-grid areas.

During the monitoring visit, KOICA inspected the equipment installed in the households of the local beneficiaries, and interviewed the families. The families shared that the project has helped ease their electricity costs and improve the stability of their power supply, while expressing strong overall satisfaction with its benefits.

The KOICA team also attended the ‘Project Achievement Workshop’, which served as an opportunity to share the project’s progress and contributions to improving energy access and resilience in Mamburao.

In his welcoming remarks for the event, Mamburao Mayor Glicerio “EK” S. Almero III emphasized the project’s significance, noting that at a time of surging fuel prices and growing emphasis on energy security and environmental responsibility, the initiative represents an important step forward for the community’s development and sustainability. The Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) of the Provincial Government of Occidental Mindoro also attended the workshop and expressed their support for the project.

The workshop also provided a platform for interested institutions to gain a better understanding of the project and its potential applications, while exploring opportunities for its possible expansion to other communities and areas in the Philippines.

KOICA remains committed to supporting innovative development cooperation initiatives that respond to local needs and contribute to sustainable, inclusive, and resilient development in the Philippines.

𝐊𝐎𝐈𝐂𝐀 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐎𝐀 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐂𝐒𝐃 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧 𝐋𝐆𝐔𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐈𝐒 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭

𝐊𝐎𝐈𝐂𝐀, 𝐂𝐀𝐌𝐏 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐃𝐀 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐔𝐩 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲

KOICA, CAMP Asia, and MinDA successfully launched the second phase of the project entitled “Income Enhancement of Farmers through Strengthening a Sustainable Agricultural Environment in Mindanao, Philippines (2026–2028 / USD 1.25 Million)” on 12 May 2026 in Davao City.

As part of its continued support for the development of Mindanao, KOICA has committed to provide USD 1.037 million for the implementation of the project’s second phase, with CAMP Asia serving as the implementing partner. Building on the achievements of the first phase, which concluded in December 2025, the new phase aims to further promote the adoption of agricultural technologies, strengthen and expand farmer cooperatives, encourage youth participation in agriculture, diversify crop coverage, and enhance market linkages through cooperative partnerships.

During the first phase, the project supported durian farmers in Davao City through various capacity-building activities, which led to the establishment of the Davao Mt. Apo Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (DAMAFACO), the first durian cooperative in the Davao Region. Farmers were also trained in eco-friendly durian farming practices and received key production and distribution infrastructure support, including consolidation facilities, processing facilities, and transport trucks.

According to KOICA Country Director JUNG Youngsun, the second phase will build upon the achievements and lessons learned from the first phase. He also highlighted the strong sense of ownership demonstrated by participating farmers throughout the implementation process, expressing confidence that the project outcomes will continue to be sustained in the future. He added that the launching ceremony represented not only the continuation of the project, but also an opportunity for all stakeholders to renew their shared commitment and responsibility toward building more resilient and prosperous farming communities.

Meanwhile, MinDA Chairperson Leo Tereso Magno expressed appreciation for the continued commitment of KOICA and CAMP Asia in strengthening the resilience of farmers and local communities in Mindanao. He emphasized that enhancing the agricultural sector contributes to the broader goal of ensuring food security and noted that the project could serve as a model for scaling up similar initiatives across the fruit industry.

Several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were also signed among partner agencies, including CAMP Asia, MinDA, Land Bank of the Philippines, Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office XI, and Pambansang Ugnayan ng mga Nagsasariling Lokal na Organisasyon sa Kanayunan (UNORKA), to strengthen collaboration and support the effective implementation of the project.

The following day, KOICA and CAMP Asia visited the project sites to inspect the supported facilities and engage with farmer beneficiaries. The field visit included both demonstration farms and individual farmer beneficiaries, where participating farmers shared their experiences in durian cultivation and project implementation. During the visit, farmers explained how differences in altitude and local climate conditions affect the growth rate and quality of durian production, highlighting the importance of applying agricultural technologies tailored to local farming environments. Representatives from KOICA and CAMP Asia also observed farm operations and the overall production and distribution process, while discussing the project’s achievements and future directions for sustainable agricultural development.

Photos courtesy of MinDA and CAMP Asia

📢⚠️ 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍⚠️ 📢

KOICA Philippines Office warns the public against fraudulent schemes to extort money through fake services.

KOICA does not handle any matters related to seasonal farmers, labor recruitment, working permit-related matters, and/or visa-related matters for Filipino citizens going to South Korea.

KOICA will never request money from Filipino citizens for any reason.

We urge everyone to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activities or solicitations to the proper authorities.

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Nagbibigay-babala ang KOICA Philippines Office laban sa mga scam at pekeng serbisyong ginagamit upang makapanghingi ng pera mula sa publiko.

Pinaaalalahanan ang lahat na ang KOICA ay walang kinalaman sa seasonal workers, labor recruitment, working permits, o visa processing para sa mga Pilipino papuntang South Korea.

Ang KOICA ay hindi kailanman humihingi ng pera para sa anumang serbisyo o transaksiyon.

Hinihikayat ang publiko na maging mapanuri at agad na ireport sa mga kinauukulang awtoridad ang anumang kahina-hinalang aktibidad o panghihingi ng pera.

𝐊𝐎𝐈𝐂𝐀, 𝐃𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐒𝐂 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐔𝐒$𝟕 𝐌 𝐍𝐃𝐇𝐈 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭

KOICA, represented by Assistant Country Director PYUN Eunhye, and the Department of Agriculture (DA), through Undersecretary for Livestock Dr. Constante Palabrica, conducted the 1st Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting for the “Enhancing Carabao Smallholder Farm Productivity through the Establishment of National Dairy Herd Improvement (NDHI) System in the Philippines” on May 7 in Banahaw Hall, Park Inn Hotel North EDSA, Quezon City.

The meeting was participated in by other PSC members, including Assistant Secretary for Ruminant Livestock Dr. Benjamin Albarece, DA-Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) Executive Director Dr. Liza Battad, DA National Livestock Program Director Dr. Claro Mingala, DA-PCC Deputy Executive Director Dr. Edwin Atabay, DA-PCC Project Leader Dr. Ester Flores, PMC Project Manager Dr. HWANG Seonggu and representatives from other DA staff offices and the DA-PCC. During the meeting, PSC members were informed about the project overview, updates and accomplishments, and the final report on the Business Process Reengineering/Information Strategy Planning (BPR/ISP) that will guide the establishment of the NDHI model.

Assistant Country Director PYUN emphasized that the project is being implemented from 2023-2028 with the “main goal of increasing the productivity and income of farmers through the application of an NDHI system in the country.” She envisions that this project will foster a “productive, profitable and sustainable carabao industry to lower food cost and ensure food security in the Philippines.”

As the PSC Chairperson, Undersecretary Palabrica highlighted that the project will “enable us to standardize performance recording, strengthen genetic improvement and guide our policies and interventions.” He also mentioned that improving the productivity of the dairy carabao sector will not only “enhance farming livelihoods but also contribute to a more stable and sustainable food system for the Filipino people.”

Executive Director Battad emphasized the DA-PCC’s “commitment to a science-based herd build-up by leveraging a shared system of breeding performance, production, and environmental management towards an era of precision recording.” She explained that the NDHI system will focus on “institutional strengthening, infrastructure and technology and capacity building.”

The project will support the establishment of a centralized and integrated NDHI system; provide improved genetics and milk laboratory environment; and strengthen the capacity of smallholder farmers and dairy cooperatives through system utilization.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐨𝐟 𝐊𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬

KOICA Philippines Office, together with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), officially signed the Record of Discussions for the project, “Establishment of the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) for Enhancing the Cyber Crisis Response Capabilities in the Philippines” on April 27, 2026, at the DICT Headquarters.

This project focuses on Information Security Management Systems, Construction of the National Cyber Security Center, Development of a National Cyber Security System with Capacity building and Implementation of the Cybersecurity Curriculum. It also marks an important milestone as a key follow-up action to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Technology, Digitalization, and Innovation Program, signed during President Lee Jae Myung’s visit to the Philippines last March.

With a total budget of USD 25.6 million, the project will be implemented from 2025 to 2029 to strengthen the Philippines’ cybersecurity capabilities. By building advanced cyber threat response environment, the initiative will help protect critical infrastructure, ensure the integrity of government systems, and provide a safer digital environment for the Filipino people.

The project will also focus on enhancing sustainable cybersecurity capacity through training programs and the development of future cybersecurity professionals.

KOICA remains committed to supporting the Philippines in building a secure, resilient, and future-ready digital environment through continued partnership and cooperation.

𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐒𝐎 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 & 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩

KOICA Philippines Office is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Philippines CSO Capacity & Network Strengthening Workshop, supported by KOICA, which will be held from June 7 to 9, 2026 in Manila, Philippines.

This initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of Civil Society Organization (CSO) practitioners who are currently implementing or planning projects in the Philippines by providing practical knowledge on NGO operations, accounting and administrative systems, and field-based project management. The workshop will also serve as a platform for networking and collaboration among local and international CSO practitioners, helping build stronger partnerships for sustainable development.

Application Period: April 13 – May 15, 2026
Participation Fee: None

For more information on eligibility, application procedures, and program details, please refer to the posters. Further inquiries may be addressed directly to the organizers at [email protected].