Japan turns over livelihood equipment for persons with disabilities
On 23 October 2025, GGP Officer, Second Secretary Ms. MUKAIGAWA Yurie attended the turnover ceremony for the “Project for the Provision of Equipment for Improving the Livelihood of Persons with Disabilities in Cainta, Rizal.“ This collaborative project with the Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc. (TWHi) was approved in 2024 under Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) through the Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGP). In attendance were Rizal Provincial Governor Nina Ricci Ynares, National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) Planning Officer Virginia S. Rabino, Brgy. Sto. Domingo Chairperson Janice Pacsagon-Curia and TWHi officers led by President Felix Gonzales and Chief Operating Officer Angelita Evangelista.
TWHi, a non-governmental organization established in 1973, plays a pivotal role in empowering individuals with disabilities through livelihood programs. These efforts have enabled almost 300 beneficiaries to earn income by engaging in various forms of production, including the manufacturing of wheelchairs, wooden teaching materials, among others. However, after more than 40 years of use, the machinery has become outdated and unable to meet the modern demands of clients. These resulted in lost orders, reduced productivity, and ultimately fewer employment opportunities, lowering income for the workers and their families.
To address the situation, the Embassy of Japan provided a grant amount of USD 55,299 or approximately over PHP 3 million*1 to TWHi for the acquisition of essential equipment. The project aims to improve the working environment for persons with disabilities and their families by providing ten different sets of equipment for the livelihood support program, contributing to the expansion of employment opportunities and economic independence for PWDs.
In her remarks, Second Secretary Mukaigawa celebrated the collaborative effort that led to the successful completion of the GGP project. She stated that this support is not about providing machines, but reflects our strong commitment to improving lives and enhancing opportunities for persons with disabilities. “This collaboration between the Embassy of Japan and TWHi stands as a shining example of what we can achieve through strong partnerships, a shared vision, and a collective commitment to progress,” added Ms. Mukaigawa.
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. At present, 567 grassroots projects have been implemented by the GGP. Japan believes that these projects will strengthen the friendship between Japan and the Philippines and contribute to sustaining strategic partnerships between the two countries.
Note *1: USD 1 = PHP 55.90 (as of October 1, 2024)
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