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CONSUL General Ono Hirotaka

Japan supports Bamboo Livelihood Development in Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte through Grassroots Grant Assistance

by Contributor July 10, 2026

written by Contributor

CONSUL General ONO Hirotaka attended the turnover ceremony for “The Project for the Provision of Bamboo Processing Equipment in Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte,” funded under the Government of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) on July 9, 2026.

The project, with a grant amount of approximately PHP 3.2 million, provided bamboo processing equipment to local farmers and members of the Bobongon Tree Planters Association Inc. (BTPAI), a community-based organization engaged in tree planting and bamboo-related livelihood activities.

The newly provided equipment is expected to enhance the capacity of local bamboo farmers to produce higher value-added bamboo products and promote the efficient utilization of bamboo resources, including the proper harvesting of previously unharvested bamboo. Through these efforts, the project aims to contribute to the socio-economic development of the local community while supporting environmental sustainability.

The Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP) was established in 1989 to support small-scale development projects that directly benefit communities at the grassroots level and contribute to local socio-economic development. Eligible recipients include local government units, educational, research and medical institutions, non-governmental organizations, people’s organizations, and cooperatives. Further information can be obtained through the Consulate General’s Official Website: https://www.davao.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/11_000001_00229.html.

July 10, 2026 0 comments

Community

Japan turns over ₱3.5-M training facility for Agusan del Sur Indigenous communities

by Rhoda Grace Saron May 26, 2026

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE GOVERNMENT of Japan has officially turned over a ₱3.5-million vocational training center aimed at boosting the livelihood, capacity building, and economic development of Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities in Agusan del Sur.

Consul General Ono Hirotaka of the Consulate General of Japan in Davao led the formal turnover ceremony on Monday, May 25, for “The Project for the Construction of Training Center for the BAMATA Community.”

The project was fully funded under Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP) program.

The newly constructed facility will serve the BAMATA Tribal Council Inc., an organization representing three distinct indigenous cultural communities in the region: the Banwaon, Manobo, and Talaandig tribes.

According to the Japanese Consulate, the training center is designed to provide a dedicated, improved environment for vocational training, alternative education, and various capacity-building initiatives for indigenous groups living in far-flung, mountainous areas of the province.

By bringing structured skills training closer to these communities, the project aims to pave the way for increased household income through sustainable knowledge and technical acquisition.

In his address during the ceremony, Consul General Ono emphasized that the facility represents far more than physical infrastructure.

“This training center is not merely a structure made of concrete and steel, but a symbol of opportunity, education, and hope for the Banowaon-Manobo-Talaandig communities,” Ono said.

He highlighted that the facility would serve as an active pathway toward expanded livelihood opportunities, enhanced income generation, and a more peaceful, stable future for the IP communities and future generations in Mindanao.

The envoy noted that the turnover holds deep symbolic meaning as Japan and the Philippines celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations this year, anchored on the theme, “Weaving the Future Together.”

Ono expressed hope that the grassroots project would further solidify the enduring partnership and people-to-people solidarity between Japan and the indigenous communities of Mindanao.

Japan remains the Philippines’ leading bilateral ODA donor. It launched the GGP program in 1989 specifically to address poverty reduction, community-level development, and human security at the grassroots level.

May 26, 2026 0 comments

Lifestyle

WANDERLUST | A culinary toast to seven decades of friendship

by Ian Ray Garcia March 12, 2026

written by Ian Ray Garcia

IN A sophisticated display of culinary diplomacy, the Consulate General of Japan in Davao hosted an exclusive Japanese Cuisine Tasting and Sake Pairing Lunch on March 6 at Dusit Thani Davao. The event served as a sensory celebration marking 70 years of normalized diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines.

In his address, Consul General Ono Hirotaka shared a sentiment that resonated deeply with everyone in the room. He beautifully likened the seven decades of friendship to being “woven together like Japan’s shimenawa rope and resilient Filipino abaca, enduring symbols of unity and shared strength.”

“Through today’s tasting, I hope we deepen not only our appreciation of cuisine, but also our mutual understanding. Food opens conversations, strengthens friendships, and creates new opportunities,” he said.

The culinary journey began with a delicate Hokkaido Scallop Carpaccio, paired with a Mutsu Hassen Tokubetsu Junmai Red Label from Aomori. The sake’s “crisp notes of apple and melon provided a refreshing counterpoint to the natural sweetness of the scallops”, setting a refined tone for the courses to follow.

This was followed by a delectable sushi selection featuring bluefin tuna from the Goto Islands and grilled Kagoshima eel, paired with Yamagata Masamune Inazo Junmai Ginjo. The sake’s “subtle banana and rice aromas created a balanced dialogue between the richness of the seafood and the tradition of the brew.”

Omi Wagyu Roast Beef from Shiga and deep-fried Hiroshima oysters paired with Kubota Manju

The centerpiece of the luncheon highlighted Japan’s agricultural excellence with Omi Wagyu Roast Beef from Shiga and deep-fried Hiroshima oysters. These robust flavors were matched with the legendary Kubota Manju, a Junmai Daiginjo prized for its “sophisticated balance of umami and sweetness”.

The meal concluded with a tribute to the host region, featuring mango pudding from Nakashin Davao International alongside export-quality bananas, papayas, and pineapples from DOLE Philippines. When paired with the clean finish of Kubota Senjyu Junmai Ginjo, the dessert course illustrated the “seamless harmony between Mindanao’s local bounty and Japanese tradition”.

*Guests from the local hospitality industry*

The culinary experience was a curated collaboration between Chef Shunsuke Hoshida, the Official Chef of the Consulate General of Japan in Davao, and Chef Ferdinand Recaborda, Executive Sous Chef of Dusit Thani Davao’s Madayaw Cafe. Their combined expertise ensured that every pairing reflected the shared heritage and technical precision of both nations.

As the event drew to a close, the friendly atmosphere in the room – filled with local and Davao-based Japanese businessmen, restaurant owners, tour operators, and tourism stakeholders -suggested that while Japanese gastronomy was the highlight of the activity, the renewed spirit of partnership was the true success of the day.

March 12, 2026 0 comments

Community

Turnover ceremony for coffee warehouse and processing machines in Bansalan

by Contributor January 15, 2026

written by Contributor

CONSUL General Ono Hirotaka of the Consulate General of Japan in Davao attended the turnover ceremony for the project titled “The Project for the Provision of Coffee Warehouse and Processing Machines in Bansalan” in Davao del Sur on Jan. 14.

This initiative was approved in 2025 under Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) through the Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGP).

The project, implemented by the Balutakay Coffee Farmers Association (Bacofa), aims to enhance post-harvest coffee processing and storage in Bansalan. Supported by a grant of approximately PHP 3,547,876.50, it funded the construction of a coffee warehouse and the provision of processing equipment to improve bean quality, boost productivity, and strengthen the local coffee industry.

In his message during the ceremony, Consul-General ONO stated that the project is an investment in the hardworking coffee farmers of Bansalan and a reflection of Japan’s commitment to grassroots development.

He also noted that this turnover ceremony comes at a meaningful time, as Japan and the Philippines celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations under the theme ‘Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, Possibilities.’

As the top ODA donor for 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. Japan believes that these projects will strengthen the friendship between Japan and the Philippines and contribute to sustaining strategic partnerships between the two countries.

January 15, 2026 0 comments

Community

Japan’s ODA to Bobongon Tree Planters Association

by Contributor October 14, 2025

written by Contributor

CONSUL General Ono Hirotaka and Bobongon Tree Planters Association Inc. (BTPAI) Chairman Rodelio Cabizares signed a grant contract for “The Project for the Provision of Bamboo Processing Equipment in Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte” on Monday, Oct. 13.

The program falls under Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).

The grant, amounting to 56,976 US dollars (approximately 3.23 million pesos), will be used to fund bamboo processing equipment for BTPAI members and local farmers.

By enabling bamboo farmers to produce high-value-added products, as well as promoting the proper harvesting of bamboo left unharvested, the project aims to contribute to the socio-economic development of the local community and help maintain a sustainable environment.

October 14, 2025 0 comments