Japanese students from quake-hit area visit Japan-funded school in Caloocan

On January 29, 2013, a group of Japanese students who were affected by the earthquake in 2011 visited Maria Clara High School (MCHS) in Caloocan City, showing how steadily Japan is recovering and expressing their appreciation for the support from the Philippine people.

 

The students are from Shiroishi Technical High School, located in Miyagi Prefecture, one of the most severely damaged areas by the Great East Japan Earthquake that hit Japan on March 11, 2011.

 

MCHS has been recently funded by the Japanese government for its new classroom building. The project, amounting to US$ 208,219 (approximately P9 million), was implemented through the Embassy of Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). 

 

The project consists of construction of a two-storey, 10-classroom school building with provisions for chair desks for students, and desks and chairs for teachers. 

 

The turn-over ceremony was held on July 25, 2012, joined by Department of Education (DepED) Secretary Armin A. Luistro. 

 

The project benefits around 2,600 students by improving the learning environment and contributes to the enhancement of the public education system in the country.

 

Upon arrival of Shiroishi students, MCHS students welcomed them with songs and dances. Then Shiroishi students made presentations about Japanese culture and their experiences of the Great East Japan Earthquake. After that, Shiroishi students were guided for a tour to observe the school building which Japan funded.

 

The group, consisting of 14 high school students, is visiting the Philippines from January 24 to February 1 under the Youth-Exchange Project with Asia-Oceania and North America, a program aiming to promote Japan’s disaster recovery and strengthen its kizuna (bond) with the international society.

 

Right after the Great East Japan Earthquake, the Philippine government quickly sent a series of emergency aid to Miyagi Prefecture and other affected areas, consisting of food, towels, mattresses, and masks. The Philippines also dispatched a medical team to the affected areas including Miyagi.

 

Press release from Japan Information and Culture Center