TO HELP address woes of classroom shortage in the country, the Japanese government allocated over P14.4 million for the construction of a school building in Ilog, Negros Occidental.

A grant contract was signed by Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa on Thursday as part of Tokyo’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects.

“Ilog Elementary School utilizes makeshift spaces including their outdoor stage as classrooms in order to accommodate a large number of students wishing to learn and grow. In addition, most classrooms at the school are in dilapidated and unsafe conditions,” the Japanese Embassy said in a statement.

“Through the GGP project, the proponent will construct a new 2-storey six-classroom building with comfort rooms, allowing the school to provide a safer and more comfortable learning space for 215 students. The proposed building will also serve as an evacuation center that can accommodate over 200 individuals during calamities,” it added.

The Sarnelli Center for Street Children Foundation, Inc. in Lipa City, Batangas will also receive P971,428.57 for the procurement of a vehicle for the transportation of children to.

Under the GGP, the Japanese government will also fund the procurement of a water purification system for Barangay Mabato in Rosario, Batangas, and the construction of a food processing training center in Bombon, Camarines Sur.