Japan supports 8 projects in Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines - Japanese Ambassador Toshinao Urabe recently signed eight grant contracts with respective recipient organizations for various social development projects in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. These projects are funded through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) implemented by the embassy of Japan as part of the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD).

The new package of assistance, amounting to $855,325 (about P38 million), will form part of Japan’s commitment to peace and development efforts in Mindanao.

The package includes construction of classrooms in Sapakan Elementary School in Pagalungan and in Sulon National High School in Sultan Mastura, both in Maguindanao; and in Lamuak Elementary School in Pikit, North Cotabato.

Also to be built is an agricultural training center for the Talaanding tribe in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, and four vocational training centers mainly targeting youth and women in Lupon, Davao Oriental;  in Malapatan, Sarangani; in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao; and in Mati, Davao Oriental.

These projects are part of J-BIRD, the Japanese government’s package of assistance in support of peace and development in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.

Since the launch of J-BIRD in 2006, Japan has supported 75 GGP projects in the total amount of $6.8 million (about P300 million) through J-BIRD as of March 2014.

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 in 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.