AMBASSADOR of India to the Philippines Shri Harsh Kumar Jain handed over a newly constructed working and training hall to the local government of Barangay Aliputos, Municipality of Numancia, Aklan.
Municipal Mayor Rogelio M. Enero II formally received the hall at a ceremony on August 10, with Governor Jose Enrique M. Miraflores of Aklan, Assistant Secretary Francisco R. Cruz, CESO III, MMG of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, representatives from the agency and community, as well as barangay leaders, in attendance.
Expressing their appreciation to the Indian government for the project and its contribution to Numancia’s development, they welcomed the facility’s potential to boost skills, livelihoods, and the municipality’s agri-tourism initiatives. They thanked India for its continued community-focused development partnership with the Philippines.
The project was implemented under the India-Philippines Quick Impact Projects framework, which supports community-level initiatives for socioeconomic development. It is the fourth of six projects under the first cycle of QIPs being implemented through Indian Grant Assistance under the bilateral ‘Agreement on the Implementation of Quick Impact Projects’ signed in February 2023.
The facility forms part of Numancia’s efforts to strengthen its agri-tourism sector, providing a venue for skills development, training, meetings and community activities. The facility is expected to benefit some 5,500 farmers and fisherfolk.
Ambassador Jain highlighted in his speech that the project reflects the enduring friendship and Strategic Partnership between India and the Philippines, founded on mutual respect, close cooperation and a shared commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.
The project joins three other QIPs completed earlier this year: a livelihood training center in Bobon, Northern Samar; a primary care hub in Bacolod, Lanao del Norte; and a barangay health station in Cervantes, Ilocos Sur. They reflect India’s commitment to the Philippines’ regional grassroots development, its embassy said.
Jain also welcomed the resolution adopted by the Numancia LGU declaring August 10 as ‘Numancia-India Friendship Day.’ He expressed his deep appreciation, noting that the initiative symbolizes the warmth and enduring bonds of friendship between the LGUs’ residents and his country.
The QIP initiative is aligned with the Plan of Action for the India-Philippines’
Strategic Partnership for 2025-2029 signed during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s state visit to India in August 2025.
India looks forward to further strengthening its development partnership through the next cycle of 10 QIPs, currently under consideration by the two sides.