Japan has provided a grant of approximately P6 million or $120,477 for the construction of a new health center in Caloocan City, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines announced recently.

Second Secretary Matsushige Tomoaki attended the turnover ceremony for the Grace Park Health Center, which was approved in 2021 under Japan’s Official Development Assistance through the Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGP).

Caloocan City Vice Mayor Karina The-Limsico and other city officials were also present.

The original Grace Park Health Center, established in 1956, had become dilapidated, with leaks and flooding during heavy rains, making it unsuitable for providing health services, the embassy said.

It added that the new building will serve approximately 9,600 patients annually.

“Second Secretary Matsushige celebrated the collaborative effort that led to the successful completion of the GGP project,” the embassy said in a statement, adding the commitment of Japan and the local government to improving services at the health center.

Japan, the top ODA donor for the Philippines, launched the GGP scheme in 1989 to reduce poverty and support grassroots activities.

To date, 567 grassroots projects have been implemented. The embassy said these projects strengthen the friendship between Japan and the Philippines and contribute to sustaining strategic partnerships.