Japan Supports Four (4) Projects for Peace and Development in Mindanao through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP)

Japanese Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa signed 4 grant contracts at the Embassy of Japan (EOJ), Pasay City on March 10, 2017 between each representative of respective recipient organizations for various social development projects in conflict - affected areas in Mindanao. The ceremony was attended by Undersecretary Nabil A. Tan of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

 EOJ funded a total amount of US$ 355,427 (approximately 15 million pesos), through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP)^*1 as part of the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD)^*2. Since the launch of J-BIRD in 2006, Japan has supported 92 GGP projects in the total amount of 8.27 million US dollars. Japan believes that these projects described below will strengthen not only friendship between the peoples of Japan and the people of the Philippines but also the existing strategic partnership between Japan and the Philippines.


1. The Project for the Construction of Classrooms for Del Pilar Elementary School in New Corella, Davao Del Norte

Proponent: LGU of New Collera      
Amount of Grant: US$ 77,991 (approximately 3.3 million pesos)


The project involves the construction of one unit four-classroom school building with comfort rooms and procurement of 161 pieces arm chairs, 4 sets of teacher’s tables and chairs, 4 pieces of black boards and installation of rain collector/water tank for the benefit of 686 students and teachers of Del Pilar Elementary School.
 

2. The Project for the Construction of Classrooms for Tictapul Elementary School in Vitali District, Zamboanga City

Proponent: Philam Foundation,Inc.      
Amount of Grant: US$ 86,960 (approximately 3.6 million pesos)

The project involves the construction of one (1) unit 4-classroom building with comfort rooms and procurement of 200 pieces of armchairs, 4 sets of teacher’s tables and chairs and 4 pieces of black boards for the benefit of 729 students and teachers of Tictapul Elementary School.
 

3. The Project for the Provision of One Unit Mobile Clinic for Zamboanga City Medical  Center

Proponent: Zamboanga City Medical Center 
Amount of Grant: US$ 92,857 (approximately 3.9 million pesos)

The project involves the procurement of one unit of mobile clinic which will used by Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) to give medical services in the transitory sites in Zamboanga City.  A truck will be customized to fit the function of a mobile clinic equipped with digital x-ray machine, transport ventilator, ECG Channel, laryngoscope, BP apparatus, ambubag and portable oxygen with accessories.
 

4. The Project for the Acquisition of One (1) Unit of Container Wing Van for Small Rice Farmers in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur

Proponent: Labangan Farmers First Consolidated Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Amount of Grant: US$ 97,619 (approximately 4.1 million pesos)

The project involves the procurement of one (1) unit of hauling vehicle (12-ton capacity wing van) to serve the farmer-members of the cooperative and other farmers living in the vicinity of Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.
 

Note^*1; The Government of Japan, as the top ODA donor for the Philippines, launched the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) in the Philippines in 1989 for the purpose of reducing poverty and helping various communities engaged in grassroots activities. As of present, 525 grassroots projects have been funded by GGP. Japan believes that this project will not only strengthen the friendship between the peoples of Japan and the Philippines but also contribute to further fostering a strategic partnership between Japan and the Philippines toward the future.

Note^*2; Since 2006, Japan has been intensively implementing Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects and other ODA projects for conflict affected areas in Mindanao, collectively called J-BIRD (Japan-Bangsamoro Initiative for Reconstruction and Development). Their total amount is over 240 million US Dollar. Furthermore, when former President Aquino made a state visit to Japan last June 2015, Japanese Prime Minister, Mr. Shinzo Abe, expressed at their summit meeting his support for efforts by the Government of the Philippines to secure enduring peace in Mindanao, and stated that the Government of Japan will promote the J-BIRD II, in view of the establishment of a new autonomous political entity.
(Note: A new phase of the J-BIRD that will focus more on ensuring economic autonomy in the Bangsamoro Area).