Japan, ADB to build 60 preschools

MANILA, Philippines - Japan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have provided a $1.5-million grant to the Philippines to support a public–private partnership that will put 6,000 children in new preschool classrooms in impoverished rural communities by 2014.

The grant from the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction, as financed by the government of Japan and administered by ADB, will build 60 preschool buildings in southern Luzon and western and central Visayas.

Another $2.04 million will be financed by the Department of Education (DepEd) and private partners led by Aklat, Gabay, Aruga Tungo sa Pag-angat at Pag-asa (AGAPP) Foundation.

“The best investment a country can make in its future is an investment in the education of its children,” said Kunio Senga, director general of ADB’s Southeast Asia Department. “Early childhood education delivers life-long impacts on children’s intellectual development, and enhances their long-term earning potential and well-being.”

AGAPP Foundation is the DepEd’s designated partner in achieving universal preschool coverage and will build fully equipped preschool classrooms and libraries, train preschool teachers, and conduct research on effective preschool programs.