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

On 4 March 2026, Ambassador ENDO Kazuya signed two grant contracts under the Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) *1 at his residence in Makati. The ceremony was graced by Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Roger V. Navarro, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Assistant Secretary Jacqueline A. Caancan, CESO III, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) MIMAROPA Regional Roberto R. Abrera, Palawan 1st District Representative Rosalie A. Salvame, Taytay, Palawan Mayor Norbert S. Lim, and Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) Executive Director Atty. Teodoro Jose Matta.  
 
The total grant amount of USD 318,098 (approximately PHP 18.3 million) *2 will fund the provision of garbage compactors and the improvement of fisheries facilities for indigenous communities. 
 
During the ceremony, Ambassador Endo reaffirmed Japan's commitment as a trusted partner of the Philippines based on mutual respect and common goals. He also took the opportunity to highlight the distinctive features of GGP, noting its adaptability to local communities and its potential to empower future generations.


The details of the projects are as follows: 

1. The Project for the Provision of Garbage Compactors for the Municipality of Ubay, Bohol 

• Proponent: Municipality of Ubay, Bohol 
• Grant Amount: USD 243,055 (PHP 14,000,000) 
• Overview: The Municipality of Ubay, Bohol is experiencing rapid population growth and increasing solid waste generation, but waste collection is limited due to a shortage of functional garbage trucks. Of the three existing vehicles, one (1) is non-operational and two (2) are over 10 years old, allowing a collection of only about 10% of total waste, mainly near the town center, with remote communities rarely served. The project will provide two new garbage compactors (maximum capacity of 3.6 tons each) to expand coverage to remote areas, increase collection volume, and improve sanitation and living conditions for approximately 80,000 residents across all 44 barangays. 

2. The Project for the Improvement of Fisheries for Indigenous Community in Taytay, Palawan 

• Proponent: UCCP-SLJA Integrated Development Program for Indigenous People in Southern Tagalog (IDLIP-ST) 
• Grant Amount: USD 75,043 (PHP 4,322,479.79) 
• Overview: UCCP-SLJA IDPIP-ST provides livelihood and capacity-building support to Indigenous Peoples who rely on marine-based livelihoods such as fishing, gleaning, aquaculture, and tourism-related services. However, due to the impact of natural disasters, the Tribal House and Seaweed Farmhouse in the community have severely deteriorated, rendering them unsafe and unusable and preventing community members from practicing their livelihood. This project will enable the organization to provide essential support to the Indigenous Peoples community in Taytay, Palawan through the construction of a Tribal Hall and Seaweed Farmhouse, as well as the provision of two (2) tricycles and four (4) banca boats. 

*1As 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 569 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. 

*2 Dollar Rate 1 USD = PHP 57.60 (rate of October 2025)