Japan Provides ?4.38M Grant to Support Indigenous Fishing Communities in Palawan
The Philippine government, in partnership with Japan, has secured a ₱4.38 million (USD 75,043) grant aimed at uplifting Indigenous fishing communities in Taytay, Palawan.
The grant was formalized during a signing ceremony held on March 4, 2026, in Makati City, led by Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Roger Navarro on behalf of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., alongside Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya.
Funded through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), the initiative will focus on upgrading fisheries facilities to strengthen livelihoods and improve the resilience of Indigenous communities dependent on fishing.
In a message delivered by Navarro, Secretary Tiu Laurel expressed gratitude for Japan’s continued support. He emphasized that the assistance reflects a strong commitment to helping vulnerable sectors through community-based programs, particularly Indigenous groups.
The project will be implemented by the United Church of Christ in the Philippines – Southern Luzon Jurisdictional Area (UCCP-SLJA) through its Integrated Development Program for Indigenous Peoples in Southern Tagalog, in collaboration with local stakeholders and government agencies.
The ceremony also included the signing of a separate USD 243,055 (₱14 million) grant for the installation of garbage compactors in Ubay, Bohol to improve solid waste management.
Combined, the two Japan-funded projects amount to USD 318,098 (₱18.3 million), both designed to enhance local services and promote sustainable livelihoods.
According to the DA, these initiatives align with its broader goal of modernizing agriculture and fisheries while ensuring inclusive and sustainable development, particularly for rural and Indigenous communities.
Officials from various national and local agencies, including representatives from Palawan and Bohol, attended the event, highlighting the strong collaboration between Japan and the Philippines in advancing grassroots development.
NPO News Team | DA Press Office - PR
