On 18 March 2026, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines second secretary and grant assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) officer Mukaigawa Yurie attended the official handover of “The Project for the Construction of a Classroom Building for Anoyon High School in Valencia, Bohol.” This project was approved in 2023, under Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), through the GGP. In attendance were Valencia Mayor Dionisio Neil Balite, other key local government unit (LGU) officials, and school officials.
Students at the Anoyon High School
Anoyon High School was established in 2022 to address the challenges of long travel distances and commuting expenses students faced due to the lack of a public high school within the community. During its initial year, the school operated by renting a classroom from Anoyon Elementary School, accommodating 21 students.
With the aim of providing quality education for all, the local Government of Valencia was able to secure a budget for the construction of one building with four classrooms intended for Grades 11 to 12, as well as a teacher’s room and a library.
Secretary Yurie with local and school officials
The Embassy of Japan, with its continuous commitment to supporting education partnerships in the Philippines, provided a grant of USD 94,607 (approximately P5 million) to the Municipal Government of Valencia. This grant funded the construction of a one-storey, four-classroom building, which includes one comfort room each for females, males, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to meet the Department of Education’s requirements. The new building will provide a safe learning environment for approximately 150 students.
Second Secretary said she hopes the classrooms will be ‘a foundation for the students’ bright future.’
In her message, Second Secretary Mukaigawa highlighted that this new building will provide a safe and conducive space for students’ learning opportunities. She also stated that “by investing in education today, we invest in the future of our children, the future of our society,” expressing her hope that these new classrooms will not only be the foundation of the students’ education experience, but also a foundation for their bright future.
As the top ODA donor of 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, 569 grassroots projects have been implemented by the GGP. Japan believes that these projects will strengthen the friendship between Japan and the Philippines and contribute to sustaining the strategic partnership between the two countries.
