8 July 2005 – Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto G. Romulo and Japanese Ambassador Ryuichiro Yamazaki sign and later exchange Notes on two grant assistance projects worth ¥445 million (US$4 million) as part of the Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) project administered by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) under the auspices of the Japanese Government’s Grant-Aid Program.  Secretary Romulo lauded the JDS, remarking that “since its launch in 2002, it has provided Filipino students the opportunity to acquire advanced knowledge in the fields of public administration, economics, business administration, public health and information technology, and expertise.” (Mark Santos)