The Japanese government has awarded PHP12.8 million in grants for constructing a school building in Pura, Tarlac and a youth community center in Cebu City.
Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya on Thursday signed the grant contract awarding PHP8.3 million to the Bidlisiw Foundation, Inc. for the Cebu City community center, which will provide essential support to children and youth in low-income communities, as well as victims of drug-related crimes and sexual abuse.
He signed with Pura Mayor John Paul Balmores the PHP4.4 million grant contract for constructing a one-story six-classroom school building for the Maungib Elementary School.
“I’m certain that these projects will serve as a catalyst for hope and resilience and inspire future generations,” Endo said.
“Today’s ceremony is a celebration of our unity and joint commitment to addressing the challenges we face. As we look to the future, Japan stands ready as always to support the Philippines on this journey towards sustainable and inclusive growth.”
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Education Secretary Sonny Angara and Department of Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay-Villar.
Extending his gratitude, Angara said the school building grant is an “appreciated addition” to Japan’s long list of support to the Philippine education system.
“This new school building is a testament to our enduring friendship, our shared successes, and continuing commitment to progress. On behalf of the Department of Education, we thank you for decades of strengthening our system, we look forward to many more years of fruitful development cooperation,” he said.
In an interview, Angara said he welcomes projects like this as the DepEd could only do so much in addressing classroom shortages across the country.
“We only can budget for 6,000 classrooms a year and our deficit is 165,000 so palalim nang palalim – that’s why nag-present na kami kay president for PPPs (public-private partnerships). For official development assistance, hindi pa but we’re already telling our existing partners who are helping us (We only can budget for 6,000 classrooms a year and our deficit is 165,000 – that’s why we have presented to the president for PPPs. For ODAs, not yet but we’re already telling our existing partners who are helping us),” he told reporters.
“Ako, equal opportunity tayo kung sino man ang pwedeng tumulong (For me, it is equal opportunity. We are open to receiving help from whoever offers). We just need to invest in education.”
The two Japanese projects are funded through the Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects implemented by the Embassy of Japan. (PNA)