Secretary of Foreign Affairs Blas F. Ople and Japanese Ambassador Kojiro Takano signed the grant documents at the Department of Foreign Affairs on 08 August 2003 for three more projects on
the “Improvement of Water Quality in Local Area,” Improvement of Educational Facilities (Phase VI);” and “Rehabilitation of Cagayan Irrigation Facilities Project.”

The three grant aid projects which will help the uplift of the quality of life of millions of Filipinos is valued at Y2.59 billion or approximately P1.18 billion

The “Improvement of Water Quality in Local Areas-Phase II,” is expected to enhance the distribution and treatment of water through the construction of water treatment plants and clear water reservoirs in
Pangasinan and Laguna. The Philippine government will receive a total of ¥739 million or approximately P330 million for this phase. The first phase of this project has already benefited towns in Capiz, Iloilo, and
Leyte.

The “Rehabilitation of the Cagayan Irrigation Facilities Project” or the “Irrigation Component of the Cagayan Integrated Area Development Project” worth ¥906 million or P411 million. The rehabilitation of the Iguig-Alcala-Amulung Pumping Irrigation System (IAPIS) and Magapit Pumping Irrigation System (MPIS) will provide irrigation to about 14,404 hectares in seven towns in Cagayan. It will increase the income of the farmers and provide employment opportunities for farmers in the area.

Secretary Blas F. Ople said that “these two projects are significant and laudable because they increase the number of Filipinos who will have access to clean and safe water for human consumption and
sanitation, and provide adequate irrigation for agricultural production.”

The “Educational Facilities Improvement Project (EFIP) Phase VI,” with the amount of ¥947 million or approximately P430 million to be implemented in Region III. The project will improve the quality of
education through the provision of classrooms, toilets and basic science equipment and furniture in public elementary and secondary schools. The project is a two (2) stage program: Stage I covers Pampanga, Tarlac, Bataan and Zambales while Stage II covers Nueva Ecija and Bulacan.

Secretary Ople said that “the improvement of the quality of elementary and secondary education through the provision of classrooms and science equipment guarantees a bright future for our youth.”

The signing ceremony was attended by officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Embassy of Japan, the National Economic and Development Authority, Local Water Utilities Administration, National
Irrigation Administration, and Department of Education. END