Honorable Governor Arthur Y. Pingoy, Jr
Province of South Cotabato
Honorable Mayor Henry L. Ladot
Municipality of Banga
Mr. Ismael D. Sueno
Chairperson, SCFI Board of Trustees
Ms. Belen S. Fecundo
Executive Director
South Cotabato Foundation Inc
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Maayong udto sa inyong tanan (Good noon to all of you)!
First of all, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome you have extended to me and to my colleagues.
I am deeply honored to join this launching ceremony today. This is my first visit to Mindanao since I assumed my post at the Embassy of Japan August, last year. I am fascinated by beautiful nature in Mindanao and believe that this trip will be special and memorable.
We find this project so unique and interesting. This is a project that directly assists individuals with entrepreneurship, especially women, in sustaining and expanding their small scale businesses through the provision of micro-credit capital at a monthly interest rate of 3.33%. As is evident to all, the rate of 3.33 % is quite affordable, compared to the normal market rate of 10 to 15 %.
There are three pillars in Japan 's Official Development Assistance to the Philippines , economic growth, poverty reduction and peace and stability in Mindanao . Therefore, this project clearly embodies the Japanese ODA's strategy. I would like to also mention Japan 's efforts to support the reconstruction and development of Mindanao . In 2006, we launched the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development or J-BIRD. Under the J-BIRD, we have implemented 40 grassroots projects as of last year, and this is the 41 st project of J-BIRD and the first in 2011. We strongly hope that each project bears its fruit and, in the end, becomes a strong pillar to support the peace and security in Mindanao .
I would like to commend SCFI that was brave enough to take on this difficult task. It is inspiring that even small organizations can offer opportunities to people who need additional sources of living. This project together with other various initiatives of the local government units (LGUs) will bring positive impacts on poverty alleviation in South Cotabato .
After several months of project implementation, we will see an increasing number of small enterprises such as sari-sari store, backyard piggery, dressmaking, marketing of processed food, and furniture making, as a good indication that, indeed, people's efforts can make a difference in their living conditions.
Finally, I believe that our endeavours will serve as another milestone in strengthening our friendship and fostering a strategic partnership between Japan and the Philippines towards the future.
Thank you very much and mabuhay!
Embassy of Japan in the Philippines