Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Officer, Second Secretary Mukaigawa Yurie led the recent turnover ceremony of equipment intended to improve the livelihood of persons with disabilities in Cainta, Rizal.
This collaborative project with the Tahanang Walang Hagdanan Inc. (TWHi), a non-governmental organization established in 1973, was approved in 2024 under Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) through GGP.
By empowering persons with disabilities (PWDs) through livelihood programs, TWHi enabled almost 300 beneficiaries to earn income by engaging in various forms of production, including the manufacturing of wheelchairs, wooden teaching materials, among others. However, after more than 40 years of use, their machinery has become outdated and unable to meet the modern demands of clients. This resulted in lost orders, reduced productivity, fewer employment opportunities, and lower income for the workers and their families.
To address the situation, the Embassy of Japan provided a grant amounting to USD55,299 (approximately over PHP3 million) to TWHi for the acquisition of essential equipment. The initiative includes provision for ten different sets of equipment for the livelihood support program.
In her remarks, Second Secretary Mukaigawa stressed this support is not about providing machines, but more of Japan’s commitment to improve lives and enhance opportunities for PWDs.
“This collaboration between the Embassy of Japan and TWHi stands as a shining example of what we can achieve through strong partnerships, a shared vision, and a collective commitment to progress,” Mukaigawa added.
As the top ODA donor for the Philippines, the Government of Japan launched the GGP scheme in the Philippines in 1989 to reduce poverty and help various communities engage in grassroots activities. At present, 567 grassroots projects have been implemented by the GGP. These projects are seen to strengthen the friendship between Japan and the Philippines and contribute to sustaining their strategic collaborations.
Also in attendance during the turnover ceremony were Rizal Provincial Governor Nina Ricci Ynares, National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) Planning Officer Virginia S. Rabino, Brgy. Sto. Domingo Chairperson Janice Tacsagon-Curia, and TWHi officers led by President Felix Gonzales and Chief Operating Officer Angelita Evangelista.
