MANILA-- The Japanese government is funding four social development projects in Mindanao amounting to USD286,680 or about PHP15.3 million.
The contracts were awarded on December 13 to the city government of Cotabato, and three municipalities in South Cotabato province --Tampakan, President Roxas, and Tupi.
Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda signed the grants together with representatives of the awardees in Cotabato City, the Japanese embassy in Manila said Friday.
The funding, under Tokyo's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), is part of the broader Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD).
Of the total amount, USD67,984 or approximately PHP3.7 million would be used for the construction of classrooms for Datu Ayunan Elementary School, Cotabato City, and USD80,485 or PHP4.3 million for the establishment of a technical vocational education and training center building in Tampakan.
Meanwhile, USD63,062 or PHP3.3 million is set aside for the Crisis Center for Children in Conflict with the Law in President Roxas, with the remaining USD75,149 or approximately PHP3.9 million for the construction of a level II water supply system in Barangay Kablon, Tupi, South Cotabato.
Japan remains the top official development assistance (ODA) donor for the Philippines.
Its GGP program, launched in 1989, continues to accept proposals from local government units and organizations to reduce poverty and help various communities engaged in grassroots activities.
At present, 538 grassroots projects have been implemented by the GGP. (PNA)
