Japan through Ambassador ENDO Kazuya signed a grant contract under the Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGP) with the Governor of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), Hon. Matthew J. Marcos Manotoc on February 25, 2025, The total grant amount of US$60,711 or ₱3,500,000 (1) will fund the project titled “The Project for the Provision of Rescue Boats for Disaster Relief in Laoag City and Its Vicinity, Ilocos Norte”.
Each year, the Province of Ilocos Norte suffers repeated damages from frequent typhoons . In 2024, the province experienced higher-than-normal rainfalls and eleven typhoons throughout the rainy season. Through the GGP, the provincial government will be able to procure two (2) rescue boats, which would strengthen the province’s disaster preparedness and rescue system in the event of flooding. This would thereby enhance the safety and security of the residents of Laoag City and its surrounding municipalities.
As the top ODA donor for the Philippines, the Government of Japan launched the GGP scheme in the Philippines in 1989 to reduce poverty and help various communities engage in grassroots activities. The above project signed today is the newest addition to the 567 grassroots projects (including this project) that have already been implemented by the GGP. Japan believes that these projects will strengthen the friendship between Japan and the Philippines and contribute to sustaining strategic partnerships between the two countries.
(1) Dollar Rate 1 USD = ₱57.65 (as of December 9, 2024).
