PH, Japan ink P23-M school project

FILE: “Japan has long been an active partner of the Philippines in community development. We aim for a development on the surface and impacts the quality of life of the people on the ground,” he said. (Shutterstock photo)

MANILA — The Japanese government and five stakeholders have signed on Wednesday grant contracts on classroom constructions worth a total of PHP23 million.

In a ceremony held at the Embassy of Japan, Ambassador Koji Haneda said the signing signifies the “golden age of strategic partnership” between the two states.

“Japan has long been an active partner of the Philippines in community development. We aim for a development on the surface and impacts the quality of life of the people on the ground,” he said.

Addressing the stakeholders, Haneda said it is an “honor” for Japan to serve as partner in delivering necessary services to communities in parts of the country.

“You saw the need in your respective localities, we only responded to that need,” he said.

Present at the event were Department of Education Undersecretary Annalyn Sevilla, Philam Foundation President Maximillian Ventura, IsraAid country director Matan Boiness and Mayors Restituto Auxtero of Talibon, Bohol, Ernesto Matugas of Surigao City and Genaro Alvarez of Negros Occidental.

The contracts signed secure the construction of 22 classrooms to be built in five selected public schools namely, Sto. Nino High School in Bohol, Bagong Buhay Elementary School in Ormoc City, Bonifacio Elementary School in Surigao City, Catalunan Grande Elementary School in Davao City and Julian Gomilla Elementary School in Negros Occidental.

In his speech, Haneda said education is one of the key components in the concept of “human security” promoted by the government of Japan.

“We view education as an integral part in empowering people to reach their full potential and eventually contribute to national development,” he said.

Out of the 530 projects under Japan’s Grant Assistance for grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) to the Philippines, 113 are related to education.

Taking into account the high priority given to education by both states, Haneda assured that Tokyo stands ready to support Manila in promoting quality education. (PNA)