Japan turns over classrooms to Davao school

MANILA, Philippines — The Japanese government has turned over four new classrooms to an elementary school in Davao del Norte. 

Atsushi Kobayashi, second secretary of the Japanese embassy in the Philippines, led the turn over of new classrooms to the Del Pilar Elementary School in the municipality of New Corella last May 7. 

The embassy said the construction of the new classrooms were funded through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects under Japan’s Official Development Assistance. 

The embassy allocated P3.1 million for the construction of four classrooms in the school, which in recent years has seen an increase in the number of students. 

Also covered by the grant are necessary school amenities, including classroom furniture. 

The project is expected to benefit some 650 students in the municipality. 

The embassy said Japan launched the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects in the Philippines in 1989 for the purpose of reducing poverty and helping various communities engage in grassroots activities. 

At present, 543 grassroots projects have been implemented under the program. 

“Japan believes that these projects will not only strengthen the friendship between the peoples of Japan and the Philippines but also contribute in sustaining the strategic partnership between the two countries,” the embassy said.

Department of Education regional director for Davao Alberto Escobarte and Davao del Norte schools division su­perintendent Josephine Fadul attended the turnover.