By Leslie D. Venzon
MANILA, May 25 (PNA) — The Philippines will receive a grant of 1.117 billion Japanese yen or about Php500 million from the Japanese government to finance community development project in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.
The grant assistance, which was made possible through the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development, will facilitate the rehabilitation and construction of farm-to-market roads particularly in Bumbaran in Lanao del Sur, Datu Paglas in Maguindanao and Alamada in North Cotabato.
Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan and Noriaki Niwa, Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Philippine Office, signed the grant agreement on Monday on behalf of the Philippine and Japanese governments.
“Through linking target farm villages to major highways, the project is expected to enhance the welfare of farmers that rely largely in crop production as their main source of livelihood,” said Balisacan in his statement during the signing.
The community development project, to be implemented by the Department of Agriculture, was endorsed through diplomatic channels on September 17, 2014.
“We look forward to the attainment of full benefits from this undertaking and eventually to the enjoyment of ‘dividends of peace’ in Mindanao through the implementation of various peace and development programs in the area,” Balisacan said. (PNA)