Davao City (4 December) -- On December 4 and 6, Embassy of Japan's Deputy chief of Mission Eiichi Oshima and First secretary Shinichi Kakui will lead the turnover ceremony of four projects under the Japan-Bangsamoro initiatives for Reconstruction and Development, or J-BIRD, which was launched last December 2006, as part of Japan's commitment to support peace and development efforts in Mindanao.

These projects include the construction of school buildings and post harvest facilities funded through the Embassy of Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). These projects, located in the province of Maguindanao and North Cotabato, are meant to directly benefit the youth and farmers to enable them to experience the "dividends of peace."

The turnover ceremonies will be held on separate occasions at the Kilangan National High School in the municipality of Pagalungan, Paglat National High School in the municipality of Paglat, Lumayong High School in the municipality of Kabacan and Barangay Manili in the municipality of Carmen.

The ceremonies are expected to be witnessed by major stakeholders in the Mindanao peace process, led by the representative from the International Monitoring Team (IMT) based in Cotabato City; GRP and MILF Coordinating Committees on Cessation of Hostilities; Bangasmoro Development Agency (BDA), ARMM Department of Education, ARMM Department of Agriculture and Local Government Officials.

The newly constructed school buildings completed with tables and chairs will benefit more than 900 students, while the post-harvest facilities that include a warehouse, a solar dryer, corn sheller and a heavy duty trailer with engine will benefit 480 household beneficiaries. Ultimately, students can enjoy better access to quality education given a more conductive and healthy learning environment.

The local residents in Barangay Manili on the other hand, can improve their livelihood, and achieve greater economic development in the area.