Turnover of Japan-Funded Construction of Classrooms for Al Azhaire in Cotabato City

Mr. Atsushi Kobayashi, Third Secretary of the Embassy of Japan and Mr. Hiroyuki Kawamoto, IMT, Embassy of Japan attended the turn-over ceremony last March 13, 2018 for “The Project for Reconstruction of Classrooms of Al Azhaire Academy in Cotabato Maguindanao”.  This project is funded through Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP)*1, one of Japan’s Official Development Assistance, The ceremony was also attended by representatives from Al Amanah Humanitarian Development and Services, Inc., the implementing proponent of the project, from Bangsamoro Development Agency and school officials.

Increased in enrollment in Al Azhaire Academy resulted to congest, crowded classrooms, hence expanding the number of classrooms is an urgent need of the school. As a remedy, Al Azhaire Academy resorted to use of temporary or makeshift classrooms. However, over time structures of these classrooms get weak, roofs have the tendencies to fall and water leaks during the rainy season; hence, students have not been provided with an adequate learning environment.

In line with Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD)*2 through Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), the Embassy of Japan decided to provide assistance to the school through Al-Amanah Humanitarian Development and Services, Inc with a grant amounting to One Hundred One Thousand Four Hundred Ninety Four US Dollars (USD 101,494) or approximately 4.2 Million Pesos. The said grant covered construction of two (2) storey- six (6) classroom building with furniture and equipment. This project is intends to provide proper and safe learning environment to around 1,200 students of Al Azhaire Academy.


Note*1: The Government of Japan, as the top ODA donor for the Philippines, launched the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects in the Philippines in 1989 for the purpose of reducing poverty and helping various communities engaged in grassroots activities. At present, 533 grassroots projects have been implemented by GGP. Japan believes that this project will not only strengthen the friendship between the peoples of Japan and the Philippines but also contribute in sustaining strategic partnership between the two countries.

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 200 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 (Note), in view of the establishment of a new autonomous political entity.