On 31 October 2024, Ambassador ENDO Kazuya signed two grant contracts under the Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) *1 at his official residence in Makati. The ceremony was graced by Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay-Villar. The total grant amount of USD 223,997 (approximately PHP 12.8 million) *2 will fund the construction of a one-story six-classroom elementary school building and a community center for children and youth.
Leading the ceremony, Ambassador ENDO reaffirmed Japan’s commitment as a trusted partner of the Philippines based on mutual respect and common goals. He also took the opportunity to highlight the distinctive features of GGP, noting its adaptability to local communities and its potential to empower future generations
The details of the projects are as follows:
- The Project for the Construction of School Building for Maungib Elementary School in Pura, Tarlac
- Proponent: Municipality of Pura
- Grant Amount: USD 78,267 (PHP 4,472,960)
- Overview: The main classroom building at Maungib Elementary School in Pura suffers severe termite damage to its structure, including columns, ceiling, and trusses above the ceiling, posing a significant risk of collapse. In addition, the concrete floorboards are cracked and sinking, and the roof has holes. Through the GGP, LGU Pura will construct a one-storey six classroom building and comfort rooms that will provide a safer and more conducive learning environment for the students and teachers.
- The Project for the Construction of Community Center for Children and Youth in Cebu City
- Proponent: Bidlisiw Foundation, Inc.
- Grant Amount: USD 145,730 (PHP 8,328,490)
- Overview: Bidlisiw Foundation, Inc. provides psychological care, health education and vocational training to low-income families living in Cebu and Mandaue City, particularly children, adolescents and their family members who are vulnerable or victims of sex- or drug-related crimes. Their 40-year-old facility in Cebu is severely dilapidated, and most of their programs are currently conducted at rented spaces in restaurants and other commercial establishments. In such an environment, it is difficult for the Foundation to adequately protect the privacy of participants and to reach out to more children and young people. Through the GGP, Bidlisiw Foundation, Inc. will construct a new program facility in Cebu City, where they can provide needed support to low-income communities in a safe, relevant and accessible environment.
*1 As the top ODA donor for the Philippines, the Government of Japan launched the GGP scheme in the Philippines in 1989 to support small-scale projects directly benefiting the grassroots level as well as contributing to the socio-economic development. The two projects signed today are the newest addition to the 564 grassroots projects (including the above two projects) that have already been implemented by the GGP. Japan believes that these projects will strengthen the friendship between Japan and the Philippines and contribute to sustaining strategic partnerships between the two countries.
*2 Dollar Rate 1 USD = PHP 57.15 (as of April 23, 2024)
