Japanese Embassy's Economic Section Minister Akira Sugiyama led the inauguration and turn-over of an education project for Day-asan National High School (DNHS) in Barangay Day-asan, Surigao City last July 13. The six-classroom school building, which includes a resource center, was constructed through Japan 's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). Aside from the school building, Japan provided 175 armchairs to DNHS' to further improve its educational environment. Japan 's assistance to DNHS amounted to US$21,398.
Ms. Criselle Cudiamat, Executive Director of Akayin ang Bukluran ng Kabataan sa Daigdig (ABAKADA Inc.), local government officials led by Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Ace Barbers, Surigao City Mayor Alfonso Cassura; Department of Education officials and representatives from non-government organizations attended the inauguration ceremony.
ABAKADA implemented the project for DNHS using “earth bag technology”, an innovative construction system known for its use of cheap, locally available materials like clays and straws. Also, its unique dome-shape design and earth material makes it self-cooling and equally durable compared to a regular or standard classroom.
Some 270 students of DNHS are now enjoying the amenities of the “Earthen Classrooms”. Prior to the project's completion, the students hold their classes in makeshift huts and the Barangay hall that negatively affected the students' learning capacity.
ABAKADA's project was an awardee in last year's Panibagong Paraan (Development Innovations Marketplace) where Japan was one of the donor participants.
The project is GGP's third in the province and the 63 rd education related project in the Philippines since GGP started in 1989. Japan is consistently the country's top source of official development assistance.
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