Japan has signed a grant to support fisheries livelihood activities for an indigenous community in Taytay, Palawan, as part of a broader aid package for grassroots projects in the Philippines.
The grant was among two contracts signed by Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya on March 4 under the Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) during a ceremony at his residence in Makati.
The project for Taytay, worth USD75,043 or about ₱4.38 million, will fund the improvement of fisheries facilities for an indigenous community through the UCCP-SLJA Integrated Development Program for Indigenous People in Southern Tagalog (IDLIP-ST).
The assistance will support indigenous peoples engaged in fishing, aquaculture, gleaning, and tourism-related services.
Under the project, funds will be used to build a Tribal Hall and a Seaweed Farmhouse, as well as provide two tricycles and four banca boats to support livelihood activities.
The initiative comes after natural disasters damaged the community’s Tribal House and Seaweed Farmhouse, which have since become unusable and have affected economic activities in the area.
During the ceremony, Endo reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to the Philippines.
He said Japan remains “a trusted partner of the Philippines based on mutual respect and common goals,” while highlighting the GGP program’s flexibility in responding to the needs of local communities and empowering future generations.
The ceremony was attended by Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Roger Navarro, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Assistant Secretary Jacqueline Caancan, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources MIMAROPA Regional Director Roberto Abrera, Palawan 1st District Rep. Rosalie Salvame, Taytay Mayor Norbert Lim, and Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Executive Director Atty. Teodoro Jose Matta.
The Taytay project forms part of a total grant package worth USD318,098 or about ₱18.3 million. The second project will fund the provision of garbage compactors for the municipality of Ubay, Bohol.
Launched in the Philippines in 1989, the GGP program supports small-scale projects that directly benefit grassroots communities and contribute to socio-economic development. With the two newly signed projects, Japan has supported 569 grassroots initiatives in the country under the program.
