Japan provides P27 million for 7 peace and development projects in Mindanao

From InterAksyon (Apr 12): Japan provides P27 million for 7 peace and development projects in Mindanao



A J-BIRD classroom project in Midtimbang, Maguindanao. PHOTO FROM THE JAPAN EMBASSY IN MANILA

Japanese Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa has signed seven grant contracts worth $645,879 (about P27 million) with recipient organizations for various social development projects in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.

According to the Japanese embassy in Manila, these projects are funded through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) it implements as part of the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD).

The new package of assistance forms part of Japan's commitment to peace and development efforts in Mindanao. The package includes three projects in education, two projects in agriculture, and two projects in health:

 

1. Construction of classrooms for Dumadalig Integrated School in Tantangan, South Cotabato

2. Construction of classrooms for Manglicmot High School in Alamada, North Cotabato

3. Construction of classrooms for Patadon Elementary School in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato

4. Acquisition of two units of light hauling vehicles

5. Provision of pre- and post-harvest facilities for the farmers of the Municipality of Bagumbayan in Sultan Kudarat

6. Construction of an outpatient building of the rural health unit of Vincenzo Sagun

7. Providing medical equipment and fixtures for the delivery room of the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center

Since the launch of J-BIRD in 2006 and as of March 2015, Japan has supported 82 GGP projects worth $7.19 million through J-BIRD.

In addition to the GGP support, the government of Japan has continued to send two senior advisors under the International Monitoring Team (IMT) to assist the reconstruction and development of conflict-affected areas in Mindanao since October 2006.

Moreover, since October 2009, Japan has been a member of the International Contact Group (ICG), which performs such roles as giving advice to the parties concerned on the Mindanao peace process and participating in peace talks as observers. 

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/108658/japan-provides-p27-million-for-7-peace-and-development-projects-in-mindanao