Philippines and Japan Exchange Notes on Three Grant and Projects Worth ¥3.56 Billion
The Philippines and Japan exchanged notes on three non-project grant aids (NPGA) worth ¥3.56 billion on the sidelines of the 7th Meeting of the Philippines-Japan Joint Committee on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation held on 21 February 2019 in Osaka City, Japan.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Jose C. Laurel V and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda exchanged notes on a ¥1.8-billion Grant for the Programme for the Urgent Improvement of Socioeconomic Infrastructures in Bangsamoro Region (TESDA Centers), a ¥560-million Grant for the Economic and Social Development Programme (Well-Drilling and Underground Water Detecting Machines), and a ¥1.2-billion Grant for the Economic and Social Development Programme (Train Simulator).
The JPY1.8 billion Grant for the Programme for the Urgent Improvement of Socioeconomic Infrastructures in Bangsamoro Region will support the construction of TESDA Centers and provision of relevant equipment, contributing to sustaining peace and development in the area through the acceleration of human capital development, consistent with the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022.
Meanwhile, the JPY560-million Grant for the Economic and Social Development Programme on the provision of underground detecting and well-drilling machines will enhance access to water supply and resources, improving the standard of living of those in the Bangsamoro region.
The JPY1.2-billion Grant for the Economic and Social Development Programme on the provision of train simulators will enhance the capacity development of train drivers and other railway personnel in ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of railway operations, in anticipation of the expansion of the Philippines’ railway network system over the next five years.
The exchanges of notes were witnessed by Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III, Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia, officials from the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, the Philippine Consulate-General in Osaka, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and other Philippine government agencies.
The three projects further affirm Japan’s stature as the Philippines’ top official development assistance (ODA) partner, contributing significantly to the country’s development and capacity-building efforts in infrastructure, security, health, trade, tourism, human resources, agriculture, education, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, among many other areas.
