Manila: The government of Japan has signed two new grant contracts worth USD318,098 (approximately PHP18.5 million) to support solid waste management in Bohol and fisheries development for an indigenous community in Palawan.
According to Philippines News Agency, Ambassador Endo Kazuya signed the contracts under the Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) during a ceremony at his residence in Makati.
In his remarks, Endo reaffirmed Japan's commitment as a trusted partner of the Philippines, anchored on mutual respect and shared goals. He highlighted the GGP's flexibility in addressing the specific needs of local communities and its role in empowering future generations.
The first project, worth USD243,055 (about PHP14 million), will fund the provision of two garbage compactors for the municipality of Ubay, Bohol. Local officials said Ubay has been facing increasing solid waste generation due to rapid population growth, but collection remains limited because of insufficient and aging equipment. Of the town's three garbage trucks, one is non-operational, while the two others are more than 10 years old, enabling the collection of only about 10 percent of the total waste, mostly in areas near the town center. The new compactors, each with a maximum capacity of 3.6 tons, are expected to expand waste collection to remote communities and improve sanitation for about 80,000 residents across 44 barangays.
The second project, amounting to USD75,043 (about PHP4.38 million), will support the improvement of fisheries facilities for an indigenous community in Taytay, Palawan. The grant was awarded to the UCCP-SLJA Integrated Development Program for Indigenous People in Southern Tagalog (IDLIP-ST), which provides livelihood and capacity-building assistance to Indigenous Peoples engaged in fishing, aquaculture, gleaning, and tourism-related services. Due to natural disasters, the community's Tribal House and Seaweed Farmhouse have deteriorated and are no longer usable, affecting livelihood activities. The project will fund the construction of a Tribal Hall and Seaweed Farmhouse, as well as the provision of two tricycles and four banca boats to support economic activities.
Launched in the Philippines in 1989, the GGP scheme supports small-scale projects that directly benefit grassroots communities and contribute to socio-economic development. With the two newly signed projects, Japan has supported a total of 569 grassroots initiatives in the country under the GGP. Japanese officials expressed hope that the projects would further strengthen Philippines-Japan relations and sustain strategic partnerships between the two countries. Among those present during the ceremonial signing were Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Roger Navarro, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Assistant Secretary Jacqueline Caancan, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Mimaropa Regional Director Roberto Abrera, Palawan 1st District Rep. Rosalie Salvame, Taytay Mayor Norbert Lim, and Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Executive Director Teodoro Jose Matta.
