Magandang tanghali / sa inyong lahat. Maligayang pagdating / sa aking tahanan! (Good afternoon to all of you. Welcome to my residence!)
Thank you very much for gathering here today. We are here today to present the Ambassador’s Certificate of Commendation to The Volunteer ’95, headed by Mdm. Suzue Voelkel. The admirable efforts and tireless dedication of The Volunteer ’95 has realized a remarkable outcome in Salum Village, Zamboanga City.
Most of you in this room know about The Volunteer ’95’s achievements, but let me explain why they are receiving my Certificate of Commendation.
The Volunteer ’95 was initially organized to extend assistance to victims affected by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of 1995. After their original project was completed, the group decided to make use of the know-how and organization which has been acquired through the process.
So they started constructing a kindergarten in Salum Village on the outskirts of Zamboanga City in November 2000. The following year, the kindergarten school opened and offered education in English, mathematics and Filipino language. Aside from these subjects, the kindergarten also taught music, fine arts and physical education. The aim was to equip each child with basic knowledge and to raise them as balanced individuals.
The establishment of Salum Kindergarten School helped the family members in the community raise their awareness on the importance of basic education. Since its creation, the elementary schools enrollment rate of the village children improved notably.
In fact, among the graduates from the Kindergarten School, 58 children were enrolled in high schools and of which, another 15 were able to proceed to universities. Of course the scholarship granted by The Volunteer ’95 to deserving children of Salum Village also helped. The Volunteer ’95 has granted 53 scholarships to students, enabling them to access higher education in Zamboanga City. This is a remarkable achievement. A great change the days before.
Furthermore, through the efforts of The Volunteer ’95, the Kindergarten was able to acquire the cooperation of a former Professor from Ateneo de Manila University to help educate the pupils. The high level of education has earned a good reputation and now many parents from neighboring villages seek to have their children enrolled at Salum Kindergarten School.
The contribution of The Volunteer ’95 in Salum Village has not been confined to the field of education only. The group has also extended financial assistance to the village farmers for the improvement of infrastructure, such as roads and irrigation system, and for the purchase of fertilizer, seeds and saplings. The Volunteer ‘95 has also contributed significantly to the agricultural productivity of the village by enlisting the cooperation of Mr. Noboru Hashimoto, a Japanese agricultural expert.
These activities and their success, though already praiseworthy on their own, have created another remarkable outcome. These activities brought about the willingness among Christian and Muslim communities of the village to work together for their common good.
As you know, on March 27, the Government of the Philippines and MILF has signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. During the ceremony, President Aquino and the MILF chairman Murad Ebrahim praised Japan for her support in the Peace Process. The various projects implemented by J-BIRD, 222 classrooms, 3 medical clinics, 11 agricultural facilities, 26 units of agricultural equipment, 13 training centers, 5 water systems, and more have given hope to the local communities for a better life.
Peace and prosperity work together. If there is peace, people can invest and work to build a better life. If the community is prosperous, people will be less belligerent and inclined to seek peaceful solution. A virtuous cycle. This is what one of the pillars of our aid policy “Human Security” seeks to achieve.
The Volunteer ’95 has contributed to this effort.
It is my earnest wish that The Volunteer ’95 will continue this laudable journey in the quest for friendship and cooperation, not only with the people of Salum Village but also between Japan and the Philippines.
Now, it is my great privilege and honor to present the Certificate of Commendation to The Volunteer ’95.
Maraming salamat! (Thank you very much.)
