In support of the Palawan Indigenous fishing communities, Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Roger Navarro, representing Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., joined Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Endo Kazuya for the signing ceremony formalizing the USD75,043 (P4.38 million) grant on March 4, 2026 in Makati City.
Under the Japanese government’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), the grant contract will focus on the improvement of fisheries facilities for Indigenous communities in Taytay, Palawan to enhance fisheries-based livelihoods and strengthen community resilience.
“The government of Japan, through the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines under the leadership of His Excellency Endo Kazuya, continues to show strong commitment to supporting vulnerable sectors through direct, community-based programs. We sincerely appreciate this support for our Indigenous brothers and sisters, which will help improve their livelihoods and well-being,” Secretary Tiu Laurel said in his message delivered by Usec. Navarro.
The fisheries project will be implemented by the United Church of Christ in the Philippines – Southern Luzon Jurisdictional Area (UCCP-SLJA) Integrated Development Program (IDLIP-ST) for Indigenous People in Southern Tagalog (IDLIP-ST) in coordination with local stakeholders and concerned government agencies.
Through partnerships such as the GGP program, the Government of Japan continues to support grassroots initiatives that address the needs of local communities. The collaboration further reflects the shared commitment of Japan and the Philippines to sustainable development and inclusive growth.
The USD243,055 (P14 million)-contract grant for the provision of garbage compactors to improve solid waste management in Ubay, Bohol was also signed during the event.
Amounting to USD318,098 (P18.3 million), the two community-centered projects aim to improve local services and strengthen livelihoods.
“These projects align with the priorities of the DA to modernize the agriculture and fisheries sectors while ensuring that development is inclusive and sustainable. We believe that progress must reach grassroots communities, especially Indigenous peoples and rural areas. Today’s ceremony is not only a signing of agreements. It is a clear sign of strong partnership and shared responsibility between Japan and the Philippines. Through cooperation and mutual respect, we can create lasting and meaningful change,” the agri chief said.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources Assistant Secretary Jacqueline Caancan, DA-4K Program Director Gilbert Baltazar, DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) MIMAROPA Regional Director Roberto Abrera, Palawan 1st District Representative Rosalie Salvame, Taytay, Palawan Mayor Norbert Lim, and Palawan Council for Sustainable Executive Director Teodoro Jose Matta attended the signing ceremony.
