Japan ODA 60th Anniversary

Empowering the Youth through Sustainable Global Cooperation

Apple Jean Dulig, Callang National High School

"Honor bespeaks worth. Confidence begets trust. Service brings satisfaction. Cooperation proves the quality of leadership." I want to quote the following lines from the successful American businessman and entrepreneur, James Cash Penney, to serve as a platform in generating my essay.

Honestly speaking, at first, I know a little about the Japan International Cooperation Agency or JICA. It took me an exhaustive hour of literature review via the internet to gather information and eventually widen my understanding of the said agency. My initiative to learn more about the agency was truly worthwhile for it paved the way for me to become appreciative of the agency's noble vision, significant mission and outstanding goals.

In general, JICA provides support to almost all aspects of endeavor, stressing the promotion of international cooperation by assisting economic and social growth among developing countries such as the Philippines.

Our school was also once a benefactor of one of the projects of JICA. As my uncle told me, during their high school years, when the school was still a community school situated at the heart of the fourth class municipality in the province, they used to attend their classes in buildings where windows were made of bamboos. Those buildings were actually the old town market before the new public market was erected at its present site. They concreted the walls but they never changed their roofs. During rainy days, rain water dripped from the holes on the ceiling and students had to look for a more convenient place to be spared of getting wet while the class was going on. Not only that, as students left their classrooms, they were exposed to mud and rain water due to poor drainage system attributed to its location which was a former rice field. But these did not stopped teachers from inculcating pristine wisdom and noble virtues to the willing learners, and the students from enhancing their skills and embracing new concepts taught by dedicated mentors – an epitome of a genuine commitment. This brought into my mind the lines which Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward."

The erection of the JICA building in our school had literally paved the way for its transformation. The modern and beautiful building had been an instant attraction at the school premise because it stood out among the school buildings during that time. Every student had that eagerness to become part of the class occupying the said building. To the school, it was an additional venue for teaching-learning experiences. To teachers, it was a convenient place to practice their vocation. To students, it was an inspiration. To parents, it was a precious gift to their children. To the community, it was a worthy masterpiece.

The said building managed to withstand and survive the tests of nature – the fierceness of typhoons, the rocking earthquake tremors and the destructive effects posed by climate change and global warming, which can be compared to the pliancy of the students who were once sheltered and nurtured in the said building – being able to survive challenges and being able to manifest dexterity most of the time.

Despite the rapid burgeoning of buildings in our school, the monumental impact of the erection of the JICA building some years back remained a great inspiration to everyone. The metamorphosis it brought to the institution has catalyzed the attainment of vital changes and significant reforms in the succeeding years. In spite of the fact that some of its fixtures were damaged and missing, it remained an effective venue for learning.

At present, I am a ninth grader in this institution and in my three years in this school, there are innumerable activities I have done in the said building. Most notable of which are the scientific activities we have conducted in the school laboratory which happen to be in one of the building's classrooms. Last year, it was in the Science laboratory where we conducted our investigatory project together with my two classmates which brought us to receive the award of being the second place in the Division Science Investigatory Project. It was also last year when the class of Grade 8-A, our class, occupied one of its classrooms. These are but some of my many important experiences in the said building.

Being a student who desires to give back the good things our school offers me, I took part in the Brigada Eskwela held last May before the opening of classes just like what I did the previous years. We cleaned the surroundings and helped in fixing the classrooms including the JICA building. And as the secretary of the Student Supreme Government, I, together with the other officers, am tasked of looking after the implementation of the school policies, rules and laws, including the anti-vandalism law. I know how significant this school law is because vandalism renders the walls of the buildings and facilities unpleasant and dirty. It destroys the aesthetic impact of things. The strict implementation of the said law restricts students from becoming vandals, otherwise they will be facing the consequences of their unpleasant act – cleaning and performing other penalties.

I am confident and positive that the JICA building, a truly important legacy from Japan, will continue to serve its purpose. I know that more learners may benefit from it. The classrooms may be old as compared to the newly-constructed ones, but it remains as a significant landmark of our school. It is not just a simple and ordinary building. It is a solid foundation, an edifice fortified with knowledge and wisdom. And I am positive that through it, more pristine knowledge will be imparted, more outstanding virtues will be imbibed, more dreams will be realized, and more young generations will be empowered.

Truly, Japan International Cooperation Agency is worthy of honor and praise for its unceasing and unparalleled support to developing countries. Its confidence in bringing cooperation among nations is indeed exceptional. Its services are genuinely offered and shared. More importantly, winning the cooperation of countries to embrace its mission, vision and goals is indicative of its honest, dedicated and dynamic leadership.