On 13 March 2024, Charges d’Affaires a.i. (CDA ai) MATSUDA Kenichi of the Embassy of Japan signed two grant contracts under the Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects. The total grant amount of USD 402,229 (approximately PHP 22.45 million) will be granted to two Japanese non-governmental organizations (NGOs): Ikaw-Ako, and Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement International (OISCA International).

The details of the projects are as follows:

1. Ikaw-Ako

• Project Name: The Construction of Rainwater Tanks to Provide Safe Water Supply and Sanitary Education to Prevent Infectious Diseases in Bohol with Frequent Droughts
• Grant Amount: USD 168,391
• Overview: While the poverty rate in Bohol has improved significantly in the recent years, residents still struggle to obtain safe water due to the lack of large rivers and lagging development of water supply systems. Addressing this issue, the project will construct water supply systems that reuse rainwater, taking advantage of geographical conditions with relatively high rainfall. In addition, the project will also establish its maintenance and management system and provide hygiene education in the rural areas of Bohol aiming to help improve the sanitation and health of its residents. 

2. OISCA International

• Project Name: Support Project to Revive the Traditional Culture and Improve the Lives of Local Residents by Expanding Sericulture
• Grant Amount: USD 233,838
• Overview: This project aims to conduct short-term sericultural training, seminars and trials in collaboration with the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) in Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya and Misamis Oriental. It involves the construction of a silkworm farm and mulberry plantation, as well as the installation of greenhouses and solar panel systems. Additionally, the project will also support the strengthening of stakeholder capacity through training programs in both the Philippines and Japan, targeting representatives from each project site.

In the Philippines, the Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects was initiated in 2002. Since then, the Japanese Government has awarded contracts for 64 projects in the Philippines under this scheme, amounting to approximately JPY 1.8 billion (approximately 678.78 million pesos) in total. Japan believes that these projects will not only strengthen the friendship between the peoples of the Philippines and Japan, but also bolster the existing strategic partnership between the two countries.

 Exchange Rate from BSP: 1 USD = PHP 55.8200, 1 JPY=PHP 0.3771 (as of March 8, 2024)