Japan to extend new aid packages for South

MANILA, Philippines - Japan will sign on Monday eight new assistance packages amounting to $732,447 (approximately P33 million) for various social development projects in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao, the Japanese embassy said yesterday.

Japanese Ambassador Makoto Katsura will sign the eight grant contracts that will form part of Japan’s commitment to support peace and development efforts in Mindanao.

These projects comprise the fourth batch of assistance under the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD) funded through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects.

J-BIRD was launched in 2006 to pursue Japan’s commitment to the peace process between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Since the launch, Japan has supported 32 grassroots projects worth a total of $2.1 million or about P95 million.