PHL to get P18.92-M education for peace grant from Japan

THE Embassy of Japan has inked an P18.92-million grant contract with a Japanese nongovernmental organization (NGO) to fund replacement of dilapidated classrooms and training for teachers on intercultural understanding in Mindanao.

The grant, signed by Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya and NGO ChildFund Japan, aims to improve understanding of cultures and promote regional peace through the project “Promoting Peace Education and Enhancing Learning Environment for Coexistence in Barangay Siguel.”

In a statement on Tuesday, the embassy said Barangay Siguel in General Santos City has been chosen due to the diverse ethnicities and cultures of its residents, making it a preferable area for peace education.

“Japan believes that these projects will not only strengthen the friendship between the peoples of the Philippines and Japan but also bolster the existing strategic partnership between the two countries,” it said.

The grant will also cover installation of sanitation facilities at the chosen public school, which could benefit about 1,577 students.

An estimated P780-million grant has so far been provided by Japan to the Philippines since 2002 across 69 projects under the Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects.

Japan recently garnered the highest level of international trust from Filipinos based on a December 2025 survey by OCTA research.

The survey has shown that 79% of Filipinos trust Japan and 70% find its relations with the Philippines as “very good,” which the polling body has attributed to Japan’s involvement in the country’s development across sectors including infrastructure.

The Philippines and Japan are set to mark 70 years of friendship this year. — Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel