MANILA – Japan remains steadfast in its commitment to pursue peace and development in Mindanao as cooperation between the Philippines and Japan continues through the initiatives and programs of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
In his message during the 4th JICA Chair Lecture Series at the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) in Quezon City, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines KOSHIKAWA Kazuhiko reiterated Japan’s commitment to assisting the Philippines towards lasting development and viewing the Mindanao peace process as a “pivotal chapter” in Philippine history.
With the theme “Japan’s Experience on Peace Building: Bangsamoro’s Journey to Peace”, the lecture served as a venue for sharing Japan’s peacebuilding experience in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
During the lecture, Ambassador Koshikawa lauded JICA’s dedication through its partnership with ADMU, noting that Japan aims to contribute to global sustainable development through the JICA Chair and other similar initiatives.
The Japanese envoy also highlighted Japan’s commitment to the peace process in Mindanao since 2002 and paid tribute to former JICA President Dr. OGATA Sadako, who championed peacebuilding efforts in the region.
Also attending the lecture is JICA Philippines Chief Representative SAKAMOTO Takema and ADMU President Fr. Roberto C. Yap, S.J. Professor SHINODA Hideaki of the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies served as the main Speaker of the JICA Chair lecture.
Serving as panelists are JICA Headquarters, Governance and Peacebuilding Department Director MUROTANI Ryutaro; JICA Headquarters, Division 5, Southeast Asian Department Senior Advisor OCHIAI Naoyuki; BARMM Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform Mohammad S. Yacob; Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Director Farrah Grace V. Naparan; ADMU Department of Political Science Assistant Professor Dr. Jennifer S. Oreta; Dr. Marie Danielle V. Guillen of the ADMU Japanese Studies Program and the University of the Philippines (UP) Asian Institute of Tourism served as the Moderator.
The Ambassador also praised the positive reception towards the JICA Chair lecture.
“Our unwavering commitment to peacebuilding in the region is evident, and we are heartened by the enthusiastic participation of students and academic institutions in this dialogue," Koshikawa said.
