JICA to provide disaster-resilient schools in Eastern Visayas

MANILA, Philippines - The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will build disaster-resilient schools in areas devastated by Super Typhoon Yolanda in Eastern Visayas.

Eigo Azukizawa, JICA senior representative, said they have identified eight public elementary schools in Palo, Dulag, Tolosa, MacArthur and Tanauan towns in Leyte  and in Marabut, Samar and Giporlos in Eastern Samar for the project.

“It will be a little more expensive but it will be resilient,” he said.

Aside from rebuilding educational facilities, JICA is funding the construction of medical facilities, as well as public buildings in Yolanda-hit areas.

Azukizawa said JICA supports the Philippine government’s “build back better” policy in pursuing the recovery and rehabilitation in the Yolanda corridor even as it recognizes the possibility that storm surges and strong typhoons will again hit the country.

JICA also donated inundation and storm surge hazard maps to 18 local government units in the region and vowed to continue working with LGUs to come up with comprehensive land use plans.

JICA is celebrating its 60th year in giving out official development assistance to developing countries.