Signing Ceremony for Two (2) New Grant Contracts under the Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme

On 23 January 2025, Ambassador ENDO Kazuya signed two grant contracts under the Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) ^*1 at his official residence in Makati. The ceremony was graced by Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Elmer G. Punzalan and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Monina Josefina Romualdez. Other government and local government officials also attended. The total grant amount of USD 138,828 will fund the procurement of a portable X-ray machine and equipment for livelihood programs for persons with disabilities.
 
Leading the ceremony, Ambassador ENDO stated that GGP has the flexibility to adapt to the ever-changing needs of local communities and to foster sustainable growth. He also emphasized that the partnerships nurtured between the embassy and GGP proponents over the years are one of many reflections of the strengthening ties between Japan and the Philippines. 
The details of the projects are as follows:
 
The Project for the Provision of Portable Chest X-Ray Machine for Muntinlupa City

• Proponent: City Government of Muntinlupa
• Grant Amount: USD 83,529 (PHP 4,910,714)
• Overview: City of Muntinlupa Putatan Health Center conducts Tuberculosis X-ray screening visits for communities where people have a high risk of TB infection due to various reasons (hereinafter referred to as "high-risk groups"). These screening visits are currently outsourced to other organizations since the city does not own a mobile X-ray machine. As a result, the number of screening visits is limited, hindering the strengthening of the city’s infection control measures. Through the GGP, the city will procure a mobile X-ray machine, which will help enhance TB screening activities for high-risk groups and expand medical services in the city.

 
The Project for the Provision of Equipment for Improving the Livelihood of Persons with Disabilities in Cainta, Rizal

• Proponent: Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc.
• Grant Amount: USD 55,299 (PHP 3,091,244)
• Overview: Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc. (hereinafter TWHi) provides skill building and employment opportunities to approximately 272 persons with disabilities and their families through their livelihood program, that involves metalworking, woodworking, sewing, and packaging operations. However, many of the machines in the workspace are outdated, leading to low productivity. Additionally, the old machines prevents the completion of delicate processing and special embroidery that meet modern needs, contributing to lost business opportunities. GGP will help TWHi acquire the necessary equipment for their livelihood project, thereby enhancing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and supporting their economic independence.

 ^*1 As the top ODA donor for the Philippines, the Government of Japan launched the GGP scheme in the Philippines in 1989 to support small-scale projects directly benefiting the grassroots level as well as contributing to the socio-economic development. The two projects signed today are the newest addition to the 566 grassroots projects (including the above two projects) that have already been implemented by the GGP. Japan believes that these projects will strengthen the friendship between Japan and the Philippines and contribute to sustaining strategic partnerships between the two countries.