While JICA provides assistance primarily on a government-to-government basis, JICA has also been working with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in various ways. JICA recognizes the importance of NGOs' roles for nation-building, human development, and international cooperation. In the Philippines, NGOs with different scopes and expertise are active in a variety of development activities in the communities.
With this recognition, JICA has been promoting collaboration with Japanese and Philippine NGOs, particularly in implementing projects at the grassroots level. Other activities include participation of NGOs in Third Country Training Program (TCTP) and partnerships through dispatch of Japanese Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV).
JICA Philippine Office has also established an NGO-JICA Japan Desk (NGO Desk) in January 2003 with the main objective of promoting the participation of Japanese groups or individuals in implementing international cooperation activities.
1. Support Japanese NGOs, universities, local government units and their Philippine partners
2. Promote cooperation projects between JICA and NGOs
3. Promote exchanges between Japanese groups or individuals and the Philippines
JICA welcomes in-depth grassroots collaboration of the sort that fulfills the needs of ordinary people in developing countries, especially projects which bilateral governmental programs cannot reach effectively, such as those with strong focus on health, education, livelihood and the environment.