Photo shows Japanese Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa congratulating Mr. Benjamin Abadiano after signing the grant contract for “The Project for the Construction of Training Center for the Mangyan in Mindoro” on March 26, 2015 at the Embassy of Japan. The ceremony was witnessed by the representatives of the Ilawan Inc. |
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa and the President of Ilawan Inc. Mr. Benjamin Abadiano, signed the grant contract for "The Project for the Construction of Training Center for the Mangyan in Mindoro" on March 26, 2015 at the Embassy of Japan. The total amount is US$ 87,081 (approximately 3.8 million pesos) and is funded through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).
(About the Project)
The population of Naujan, Oriental Mindoro is approximately 5,000 people and 98% of the population is the Indigenous People (IP) commonly known as the “Mangyan.” Residing in a mountainous area, they still suffer from extreme poverty having an average monthly income of Php 1,000 to Php 2,000 based on the study conducted by UNDP and Assisi Development Foundation in 2009. This situation is contributed by the non-attainment of appropriate education degree and limited livelihood opportunities for them.
Through the GGP, the Embassy of Japan (EOJ) will provide funding for the construction of a training center with provision for necessary equipment, furniture and fixtures. Having a dedicated venue for skills development, more IPs will be given opportunities to enhance their knowledge and expertise giving them chance for employment and livelihood. A total of 3,790 IPs will be given trainings on leadership, enterprise development, IP culture and education, agricultural production and other technical-vocational skills.
(About the Proponent)
Established in 2001, Ilawan Inc., is a Non-Government Organization (NGO) whose mission is to support the less privileged IPs by building self-reliant and life giving communities. Its trustees and members have long been involved in various development programs for IPs in different parts of the country. Their programs are focused on establishing respect and enhancement of people’s rights to cultural integrity, rights to land and capability to care for the earth and its resources, human development, self-determination, peace and justice. To implement their programs, Ilawan Inc. partnered with various local agencies and also with international organizations like Hope International Development Agency, Asian Community Trust and the United Nations Development Program. In 2006, Ilawan Inc. was also granted by the Embassy of Japan, a grant for the establishment of Pamulaan Education Center for the IPs in Mindanao. The graduates from this school are now extending their volunteer service to the different IP communities and organizations.
(About the GGP)
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. As of present, 512 grassroots projects have been funded by GGP. 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.
Japanese Version
