Japanese Ambassador Ryuichiro Yamazaki signed the contracts to fund the projects through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects under his government’s official development assistance (ODA).
The assistance program, launched in the Philippines in 1989 to reduce poverty and help various communities engaging in grassroots activities, will benefit poor families in Zamboanga City and farmers in Laguna and Ifugao.
The Japanese Embassy said $88,837 will be used to fortify riverbanks in Barangays Baang, Hapao and Nungulunan in Hungduan, Ifugao since they are vulnerable to floods and erosion during heavy rains, damaging the rice terraces and affecting the villagers’ source of income and heritage.
The project will help protect and preserve more than 34 hectares of rice terraces, and increase productivity and promote the area as a tourist destination.
Japan has also allocated $26,777 for farm-to-market roads and drainage canals in Barangay Timugan, Los Baños, Laguna.
Meanwhile, $67,982 was earmarked for the Katilingban Para sa Kalambuan Inc. to fund the building of a training center that will train urban poor women in sewing and food processing. — Pia Lee-Brago