THE JAPANESE Embassy in Manila has formally turned over a Japan-funded school building to the Maungib Elementary School in Pura, Tarlac.

The new one-story, six-classroom building was financed through Japan’s official development assistance (ODA) under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP).

During the turnover ceremony in Pura on Monday, the embassy conveyed Tokyo’s continuing support for education in the Philippines and expressed hope that the school building would open more opportunities for the students’ future.

“Through this project, Japan reaffirms its continued commitment to support basic education and community development in the Philippines, particularly in underserved areas,” the embassy said in a statement on Tuesday.

On top of the lack of classrooms, the old school building at the Maungib Elementary School was suffering from severe termite damage and leaks. There were also cracks and depressions in its concrete floor slabs, raising concerns about the risk of the building collapsing.

To address this, the embassy said it approved a grant amounting to approximately PHP4.5 million to the local government of Pura.

The new school building, which consists of six classrooms, each with its own comfort room, will be used by pupils from Grades 1 to 6 and is expected to benefit approximately 100 students.

The turnover ceremony was led by Embassy Second Secretary and GGP officer Mukaigawa Yurie, First Secretary Suzuki Yuki, Pura Mayor John Paul Balmores, local government officials, and representatives of the Maungib Elementary School.

Japan is the top ODA donor for the Philippines and has been supporting development projects in the country through the GGP scheme since 1989. The program’s main objective is to reduce poverty and help various communities engage in grassroots activities. (PNA)