Hanjin subsidiary seeks NFA endorsement

MANILA, Philippines - A subsidiary of Korean shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industry and Construction Co. Ltd. (HHIC) is seeking an endorsement from the National Food Authority for its prospective grains project.

In a proposal submitted to the National Food Authority (NFA), HHIC-Mindanao Inc. is asking for permission to construct a multi-industry cluster (MIC) in Mindanao for rice and corn cultivation.

The company is seeking an endorsement from the agency as provided for under Section 3 of Presidential Decree No.194, which gives NFA the discretion to authorize an alien, association, partnership or corporation wholly or partly owned by foreigners to engage in the local rice and corn industries.

The project would utilize 3,000 hectares in Claveria, Misamis Oriental with the total cost placed at around P10.942 billion over a 30-year period – with the initial phase of development estimated at P55.8 million.

The company intends to start the initial phase of the project this year if the government approves the proposal.

Its parent company Hanjin said HHIC-Mindanao Inc. has established a relationship with Korean National Institute of Crop Science for an “assured and guaranteed” technology transfer arrangement.”

Upon the start of operations, HHIC-Mindanao intends to tie up with established crop research centers in the Philippines and Korea for the introduction of  advanced cultivation practices with guaranteed high yield and environmental protection.

In particular, this would involve agriculture engineering solutions for the prevention of soil erosion and improvement of water quality.

NFA administrator Orlan Calayag has sought the opinion of the Department of Agriculture regarding the company’s request particularly on the possible effects of the company’s proposed project on the local grains industry.