Phl to get $67.26 M grant from Japan

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said today that Japan will provide a grant of P3.04 billion ($67.26 million) to fund three projects, including the rehabilitation and recovery of areas hit by typhoon Haiyan.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Toshinao Urabe signed and exchanged notes on the three grant aid projects-the Enhancement of Coastal Communications Systems, Improvement of Water Supply of the Metro Cebu Water District, and the Rehabilitation and Recovery from Typhoon Haiyan.

Among the three projects, the DFA said in a statement that the rehabilitation and recovery of typhoon-hit areas will get the biggest share at P2.02 billion ($44.76 million).

The DFA said the money will be used to construct disaster- resilient schools, health facilities and government facilities, airport facilities, meteorological radar and purchase equipment for power distribution.

Meanwhile, the Improvement of Water Supply of the Metro Cebu Water District project would cost P510 million ($11.28 million). It aims to provide efficient and reliable potable water supply to Metro Cebu in central Philippines.

Japan is also extending P507 million ($11.21 million) worth of grant to finance the second phase of the Enhancement of Coastal Communications System. The project aims to improve the communications systems of the Philippine Coast Guard and enhance its search-and-rescue counter-terrorism capabilities.