MANILA – The Japanese government has granted PHP19.9 million to fund four projects, to procure ambulances and medical equipment for three local government units and delivery trucks to support local farmers in three other provinces.
The subsidies will aid purchase two ambulances for Parañaque City, rebuild the 66-year-old Grace Park Health Center in Caloocan City, acquire medical equipment for the rural health unit of Palo, Leyte, and provide three refrigerated trucks for small farmers in Laguna, Rizal, and Antique.
The grant is part of Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) in the Philippines, which was established in 1989 to assist nations in reducing poverty.
“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,” Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa said during the signing of four grant contracts at his residence in Makati City on Thursday.
“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 need of each region,” he added.
The four new grants increase the total number of grassroots projects financed by Japan in the Philippines to 553.
The funding will assist over 3,000 farmers, according to Ahon sa Hirap Inc. (ASHI), enabling them to supply fresher agricultural products directly to ASHI partner institutions, such as supermarkets and fast-food chains.
“ASHI is very grateful to the Embassy of Japan for the approval of this project. This grant will help our farmers collectively deliver on time the quality goods to the local and institutional markets thereby increasing their income,” ASHI Chairman of the Board Henry Joseph Herrera said.
Also joining Koshikawa and Herrera during the signing ceremony were Caloocan City Vice Mayor Maca Asistio, Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, and Palo Mayor Frances Ann Petilla who signed the contract virtually. According to Koshikawa, this is the first GGP contract signing since the pandemic started.
