Japan inaugurates Negros training center

MANILA, Philippines - Since 2003, Pag-Inupdanay Inc., an NGO based in Bacolod City, has been involved in bringing positive change to the lives of marginalized women and children workers in the Negros sugar industry through poverty reduction programs. It has partnered with other NGOs and government institutions such as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in providing education and skills training.

Pag-Inupdanay asked the help of the embassy of Japan to construct a vocational training center in Silay City. The center has eight rooms with necessary training equipment that can each accommodate 20 trainees. There is a dormitory for trainees from remote areas that can accommodate 30 persons. The center is expected to benefit around 500 women and children from Sipalay City and the municipalities of Candoni and Toboso.

Japan, as the top donor of the official development assistance for the Philippines, launched Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) in the Philippines in 1989 for the purpose of reducing poverty and helping various communities engaged in grassroots activities.

As of March 2012, 468 grassroots projects funded by GGP have been implemented by NGOs and local government units. The total grant for these projects so far amounts to $22.5 million. Japan believes that this project will strengthen not only the friendship between the peoples of Japan and the Philippines but also the existing strategic partnership between the two countries.