Japan Signed Three (3) New Grant Contract through Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP)

On February 27, 2018 Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda signed 3 grant contracts at the Embassy of Japan (EOJ), with the representatives of recipient LGUs for several social development projects in the Philippines. The ceremony was attended by Director Margarita Ballesteros, International Cooperation Office of the Department of Education and Assistant Secretary Enrique A. Tayag, Office for Policy and Health Systems of the Department of Health.
 
These new approved contracts of the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP)* will provide a total of 9 units of classrooms to one (1) high school, two (2) operating room lights and two(2) delivery beds to one (1) public hospital, and Level II water system to one (1) municipality in Luzon region. Total grant amount for these contracts is USD 304,308 (approximately 15 million pesos)
 
1. The Project for the Construction of Classrooms for Leuteboro National High School in Socorro, Oriental Mindoro
Proponent: Local Government Unit of Socorro        
Amount of Grant: US$ 180,602 (approximately 9.1 million pesos)
 
With the implementation of K-12 system, the shortage of classrooms at Leuteboro National High School has worsened due to increase in enrollment. Classrooms became congested, and as a mitigation measure, school offices and the gymnasium were converted for classroom use. This situation inadvertently affects the learning environment of the students. Through GGP, 9 new classrooms will be constructed including classroom furniture which will ultimately aim to provide conducive learning environment for 230 Grades 11 & 12 students newly enrolled under K to 12. With the new classrooms, the students will no longer experience attending classes in crowded and makeshift classrooms.
 
2. The Project for Provision of Medical Fixtures for Bontoc General Hospital, Mountain Province
Proponent: Provincial Government of Mountain Province
Amount of Grant: US$ 43,935 (approximately 2.1 million pesos)
 
Bontoc General Hospital is the main public hospital in the Mountain Province. Given the large number of patients that it accommodates, Bontoc General Hospital encountered difficulty in providing adequate, and safe medical services due to dilapidated operating room lights and delivery beds. Through GGP, 2 operating room lights and 2 delivery beds will be provided which aims to improve efficiencies and effectiveness of operations, and delivery procedures in the hospital. The project is expected to benefit approximately 1,300 patients in need of operations and 700 delivering pregnant women annually.
 
3. The Project for the Construction of Level II Potable Water System at Brgy. Banawel, Natonin, Mt. Province
Proponent: LGU of Natonin
Amount of Grant: US$ 79,771 (approximately 4.1 million pesos)
 
One of the concerns of Barangay Banawel in the municipality of Natonin is the difficulty in access to water supply. Majority of households have to fetch water in the nearby spring source daily which often takes an hour back and forth. This burdens the community especially the women who are mostly doing the household chores. Through GGP, a potable water system for the 3 sitios of Barangay Banawel will be constructed. Once completed, it is expected to benefit 175 households (approximately 940 family members) with access to safe water. This project will lessen the time spent for fetching water, and thus women can use their time more productively.
 
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, including these three projects, 533 grassroots projects have been funded by GGP with a total amount of US$ 31,768,643 (approximately 475 million pesos). 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.