JICA president vows continued support to Upi, Maguindanao

Thursday 3rd of May 2012

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 3 (PIA) -- The new president of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) reiterated the international donor agency’s commitment to help in the development efforts of Upi town in Maguindanao.

“In behalf of JICA, I promise you that we would continue to work closely with you in the coming years," Dr. Akihito Tanaka told Upi Mayor Mayor Ramon Piang Sr., Vice Mayor Alexis Platon, SB members, and heads of offices.

Tanaka, along with some members of the International Team and officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Social Fund Project (ASFP), visited Upi yesterday as part of their monitoring of the implementation of JICA projects in the area.

These projects include several school buildings, heavy equipment, and solar dryers as well as goat raising project in support of efforts to promote Halal industry in Maguindanao province.

The visit was the first trip of the 56-year old official to Upi and Mindanao. Tanaka , which JICA Newsletter described as “a renowned academic of international relations” began his role as JICA president on April 1, 2012.

Tanaka is vice president of the Tokyo University. He replaced Dr. Sodako Ogata.

“I am quite impressed with the mayor’s leadership and the cooperation of local officials to realize good governance in the implementation of projects,” he said.

He also congratulated Mayor Piang “for his vigor and dynamism.”

On his part, Mayor Piang thanked JICA for its support to the development of the underprivileged Upi town through construction of roads, improvement of the level of education in the municipality, assistance to local farmers. (Dani Doguiles and Hannadi PIA/-Upi LGU)