THE JAPANESE government, through its Official Development Assistance (ODA) program, has formalized a grant agreement to fund the construction of a new classroom building for students at Datu Umpan IP School in Kidapawan City, Cotabato.
The initiative aims to provide a culturally sensitive and safe learning environment for the Indigenous youth.On July 8, 2025, Consul General Ono Hirotaka signed the grant contract with Matsui Tomo, founder of Mindanao Children’s Library Foundation (MCL), Inc. The agreement, facilitated under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), allocates $148,800, equivalent to approximately P8.4 million, for the vital educational infrastructure.
The grant will cover the construction of new classrooms, complete with integrated toilet facilities, designed to cater to the unique needs of Indigenous students.
The project is a direct response to the need for improved educational facilities that not only offer a conducive learning space but also honor and support the cultural identity of Indigenous Peoples (IPs).
The broader objective of the project is to foster inclusivity and ensure equal access to quality education for IP children. By empowering these students with a supportive learning environment, the initiative seeks to enable them to achieve their full potential, thereby contributing significantly to the sustainable development and well-being of their communities.
Photo courtesy of Japanese consulate in Davao
