Japan aids 500 PH grassroots projects

More than 500 small-scale grassroots projects in the Philippines have been supported by the Japanese government.

Data from the Embassy of Japan in Manila indicated on Wednesday that as of February 1, 2025, a total of 566 small-scale grassroots projects have already been implemented.

According to the embassy, these projects include construction of schools and clinics, the provision of agricultural and medical equipment, and support for vulnerable individuals as well as persons with disabilities.

The “Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP)” supports small-scale projects in Basic Human Needs (BHN) sectors, which aims to extend benefits and aid to those at the grassroots level.

The embassy also said these projects contribute to the socio-economic development of developing countries.

The eligible recipients of this program include any type of non-profit organizations such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), local government units (LGUs), educational institutions, and medical institutions.

To recall, the GGP was launched in the Philippines in 1989, and although it is smaller in scale compared to other official development assistance(ODA) projects, such as the Metro Manila SubwayProject (MMSP) and North-South Commuter Railway(NSCR), its scope allows each project to be tailored to the evolving needs of the people.

The embassy said the GGP could support a project that amounts a maximum of 20 million Japanese Yen (JPY 20,000,000) or the equivalent amount in Philippine Peso.

So far, the GGP has received “positive global reception” due to its timely assistance, according to the embassy. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA Integrated News