Consul General of Japan to Davao, Hirotaka Ono, attended the turnover ceremony on May 25, 2026, for a Japan-funded training center to the Bama Community in Agusan del Sur.
Project Overview
Officially titled “The Project for the Construction of Training Center for Bamata Community in Agusan del Sur,” the initiative was funded through Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) via the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP). The grant, amounting to approximately PHP 3.5 million, was used to construct a new training center for the Bamata Tribal Council, Inc., which represents three indigenous groups: the Banwaon, Manobo, and Talaandig.
Objectives and Impact
The center aims to improve the environment for delivering vocational training and capacity-building programs for indigenous peoples living in mountainous areas. This is expected to contribute to increased income through the acquisition of knowledge and skills.
During the ceremony, Consul General Ono highlighted that the training center is not merely a structure made of concrete and steel, but a symbol of opportunity, education, and hope for the Banwaon-Manobo-Talaandig communities. He emphasized that the facility would serve as a pathway toward better livelihood opportunities, higher income, and a more peaceful future for the Indigenous Peoples communities and future generations.
Diplomatic Significance
The Consul General noted that the turnover ceremony holds special significance as Japan and the Philippines celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations under the theme, “Weaving the Future Together.” He conveyed his hope that the project would contribute to strengthening the partnership and solidarity between Japan and the Indigenous Peoples communities in Mindanao.
Japan’s Commitment to Development
As the leading Official Development Assistance (ODA) donor to the Philippines, Japan introduced the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP) in 1989 to help address poverty and support community-based development initiatives. Through programs such as the GGP, Japan continues to promote sustainable development, mutual cooperation, and stronger people-to-people ties between Japan and the Philippines.
