MANILA, Philippines – The government of Japan has committed USD 4.7 million (PHP273.3 million) to a project for small-scale aquafarmers and fishers in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to enhance their livelihood and resiliency.

The Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines ENDO Kazuya signed and exchanged notes for “The Project for the Development of Sustainable Fishery Value Chains in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” with Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative in the Philippines Lionel Dabbadie.

Also in attendance to witness the signing ceremony was BARMM Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform Minister Mohammad Yacob.

According to the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines, the two-year project aims to (1) strengthen capacity for innovative aquaculture at the farmer[s] group and government levels; (2) assess capture harvest potential and consolidated capacity to reduce post-harvest losses of fishery products; and (3) reinforce aquatic biosecurity, fish health, food safety and halal compliance.

Photo shows Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines ENDO Kazuya giving his remarks during the sigining ceremony of “The Project for the Development of Sustainable Fishery Value Chains in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.” (Courtesy of Embassy of Japan in the PH)

In his speech, Ambassador Endo expressed his hope that the project will strengthen the capacities of local governments and farmers to manage fisheries.

“Excited to announce that Japan and FAO Philippines have signed a new project for the development of sustainable fishery value chains in BARMM. Hoping this initiative will empower the hardworking fisherfolk of BARMM and strengthen the region’s fisheries sector,” Endo stated in his post on X.