Japanese Ambassador Toshinao Urabe led the turn-over ceremony of “The Project for the Construction and Renovation of Classroom Building at Libungan Torreta Elementary and High School, Pigcawayan, North Cotabato,” on 19 August 2011. The project was funded through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects ( GGP ) with a grant amount of US$ 181,124 (approximately 8.4 million pesos ).
The ceremony was also witnessed by Pigcawayan Mayor Roberto Blasé, Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) Executive Director Mohammad Shuaib Yacob, World Food Programme (WFP) Country Director Stephen Anderson and Muslim Youth Religious Organization, Inc. (MYROi) President Johnny G. Balawag.
In 2008, the Municipality of Pigcawayan was one of the conflict-affected areas in Central Mindanao and one of its barangays, Libungan-Torreta served as a relocation site for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), especially those coming from nearby towns of Maguindanao.
The arrival of the IDPs resulted in the increase of the population of Barangay Libungan-Torreta, which also led to the increase of the student population in both elementary and high schools in the barangay. This further aggravated the condition of the pupils of Libungan-Torreta Elementary School and High School who had to endure dilapidated, overcrowded and makeshift classrooms.
In response to th e circumstances , the Muslim Youth Religious Organization, Inc. (MYROi), a local Non-Government Organization, sought the assistance from the Embassy of Japan. Under this project, an eight (8)-classroom building was constructed and three (3) classrooms were renovated for the elementary school, while a four (4)-classroom building was constructed for the high school . Six hundred (600) arm chairs were also provided by the grant. Through this project, the students were given an improved and conducive learning environment.
Ambassador Urabe stated in his speech, “Japan has learned from its history the futility of armed conflict. Japan is helping many nations in their peace building. It is our earnest wish that this school will be another building block for peace in Mindanao.
The project has been implemented under the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development, or J-BIRD. The Government of Japan , as the top donor of the official development assistance for the Philippines, launched the J-BIRD in December 2006 as part of its commitment to support peace and development efforts in Mindanao. Under the J-BIRD , the Japanese Government has assisted construction or rehabilitation of school buildings, health facilities, training centers, and water supply systems through GGP . At present, Japan has supported fifty (50) grassroots projects in this region , with a total amount of US$3.8 million or 217 million pesos.
Japanese Version
