In photo: Japanese Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko delivering his message during the ceremony and awarding of grants from Japan government (Photo from THEPHILBIZNEWS/MAS)
By Monsi A. Serrano
The Japanese government earmarked P20 million worth of grants to provide social and economic development for the three local government units and a non-government organization (NGO) in the Philippines.
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko, signed the four grant contracts under the Japanese government’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects at his residence in Makati City. The said funding is part of Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) in the Philippines, which was launched in 1989 to alleviate poverty in the country.
Speaking to the grantees and media, Ambassador Koshikawa said the four projects will address social issues and will help in economic development.
Proposals from the Parañaque City, Caloocan City and Palo, Leyte were given grants, and also the proposal of microfinance non-government organization Ahon sa Hirap Inc.
In his message, Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa said, “Japan has long been a top development partner for the Philippines and through the GGP we are proud to say that not only have we worked hand-in-hand with the Philippine national government but also with the local government units in addressing the basic concerns of the people.”
“These projects will be implemented in direct consultation with the local governments and non-government organizations. We can carry out these projects that meet the needs of each region,” he added.
The four new grants bring to 553 the total grassroots projects Japan has funded in the Philippines.
One of the recipients, Ahon sa Hirap Inc. (ASHI) said the grant would benefit more than 3,000 farmers and allow them to supply fresher agricultural products directly to ASHI partner institutions, including supermarkets and fast-food chains.
Speaking to the media, ASHI Chairman of the Board Henry Joseph Herrera expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the grants accorded by Japan to the project proposal.
“ASHI is grateful to the Embassy of Japan for approving this project. This will certainly go a long way and will help a lot of farmers given the hardships they have been enduring especially at the height of the pandemic. The grant will capacitate our farmers and rebound from the havoc of the pandemic. This will help them to deliver on time the quality goods to the local and institutional markets thereby increasing their income,” Herrera said.
