Japan turns over completed schoolbuilding in Mindanao
Mr. Atsushi Kobayashi, Third Secretary and Mr. Hiroyuki Kawamoto, IMT, of the embassy of Japan attended the turnover ceremony last March 13, for the project for reconstruction of classrooms of Al Azhaire Academy in Cotabato Maguindanao.
The project is funded through Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) 1, one of Japan’s official development assistance.
The ceremony was also attended by representatives from Al Amanah Humanitarian Development and Services Inc., the implementing proponent of the project, from Bangsamoro Development Agency and school officials.
Increased in enrollment in Al Azhaire Academy resulted to congested, crowded classrooms, hence expanding the number of classrooms is an urgent need of the school.
As a remedy, Al Azhaire Academy resorted to use of temporary or makeshift classrooms.
However, over time structures of these classrooms got weak, roofs have the tendencies to fall and water leaked during the rainy season.
In line with Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD) 2 through Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), the embassy decided to provide assistance to the school through Al-Amanah Humanitarian Development and Services Inc with a grant amounting to approximately P4.2 million.
The said grant covered construction of a two story, six-classroom building with furniture and equipment.
The project is intended to provide proper and safe learning environment to around 1,200 students of Al Azhaire Academy.
Japan, as the top ODA donor for the Philippines, launched the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects in the Philippines in 1989 for the purpose of reducing poverty and helping various communities engaged in grassroots activities.
At present, 533 grassroots projects have been implemented by GGP.
Japan believes that this project will not only strengthen the friendship between the peoples of Japan and the Philippines but also contribute in sustaining strategic partnership between the two countries.