Honorable Secretary Jesli Lapus
Department of Trade and Industry
Honorable Undersecretary Ramon Bacani
Department of Education
Distinguished Representatives and Students of F. Bangoy National High School,
Ladies and Gentlemen:
It is a great pleasure for me to attend the ceremonial launching of the Mindanao component of Phase 4 of the Japan-funded “ PCs for Public Schools Project ,” or PCPS project.
Let me first of all express my heartfelt congratulations to the Philippine Government, particularly to the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Education, for the success of the PCPS project. As you all may know, the Philippine Government initiated the PCPS project in 2001, and has extended the project three times, taking into consideration the overwhelming acceptance and appreciation from recipient schools and beneficiary students. Today's occasion marks the 3 rd extension, or the beginning of Phase 4 of the project.
The Government of Japan has funded the PCPS project since its phase 1. We are glad to know that the first three phases of the PCPS project have already enabled computer education to cover about 63 % of all public high schools nationwide in the Philippines. The Government of Japan has been giving strong support to IT education in the Philippines as we recognize its major role in the global economy. To help realize and maximize IT potentials in the Philippines, the Government of Japan is pleased to continue extending its full support to the Philippine Government.
I would like to take this opportunity to mention Japan's assistance policy for Mindanao, that is, “Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development” or “J-BIRD.” The J-BIRD was launched in 2006 to contribute to the peace process and development in the conflict-affected areas in Mindanao and the surrounding areas in the ARMM through its economic cooperation. The Mindanao component of PCPS4 is also considered to be one of the J-BIRD projects. Thus, through various reconstruction and development efforts under the J-BIRD, Japan is committed to further advancing the Peace Process and to enable the people and communities in the targeted areas to enjoy the “dividends of peace.”
In closing, let me address our dear students of F. Bangoy National High School. I hope you will make best use of your PCs to enhance your IT skills, and will bear in mind the great potentials offered by IT to you as an individual and to your country as well.
Thank you very much for your attention.
Embassy of Japan in the Philippines