USAID donates $49 M to Visayas, Mindanao cities

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The US government donated $49 million for the development of secondary cities in Visayas and Mindanao, an official said  yesterday.

City Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said Zamboanga is among the beneficiaries of the grant from the US Aid for International Development (USAID) under the Strengthening Urban Resilience for Growth with Equity (SURGE) program.

Salazar said SURGE is one of the largest flagship programs of the USAID’s development initiative for cities outside Metro Manila.

The program was recently signed here by USAID mission director for the Philippines and Pacific Islands Gloria Steele.

The program started in Iloilo, Batangas and Cagayan de Oro.

Salazar said a study conducted by USAID showed the bulk of national government funds is allocated for Metro Manila cities.

“If Zamboanga City will be developed into an emerging secondary city, USAID sees our sisters and brothers in Zamboanga, Basilan Sulu and Tawi-Tawi will also benefit,” Salazar said.

JICA project

In North Upi, Maguindanao, a school building funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency at Kibleg Elementary School was launched on Monday.

Japanese dignitaries, Moro Islamic Liberation Front chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal and North Upi local officials attended the launching.

JICA president Akihiko Tanaka said the school building, which  was among their quick impact projects in Mindanao, aims to complement the socio-economic agenda of the peace process.