MANILA, Philippines – The Government of Japan has allotted approximately USD 4.9 million or PHP 283.02 million to help farmers and fisherfolks in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) from extreme weather shocks brought about by climate change.
Together with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the project is expected to directly benefit 36,000 individuals, including conflict-affected communities, according to a news release by the United Nations Information Centre Manila.
According to the WFP, the program also aims to “help strengthen the BARMM Government’s disaster management systems” to integrate early warning and anticipatory actions.
“We recognize that the peace process in Mindanao is crucial not only for the Philippines but for the entire Asian region. As a committed partner of the Philippines, Japan has made peace and development in Mindanao as one of the key pillars of our cooperation efforts,” Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines ENDO Kazuya said in his remarks during the signing ceremony.
“This project with WFP well aligns with the objectives of the normalization efforts for the region,” Ambassador Endo added.
Taking action for a #ClimateResilient BARMM! 🤝☔️ Just signed a project with @WFP_Philippines for another impactful collaboration! ✍️🌐 Together, we're enhancing livelihoods in vulnerable communities across the Bangsamoro region. pic.twitter.com/8taO6tL6Xu
— Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines (@AmbJPNinPH) February 28, 2025
The World Food Program, through its Representative and Country Director Regis Chapman, expressed its appreciation for the efforts of the Japanese Government for the program.
“Japan has consistently been a vital partner in fostering enduring peace in BARMM,” Chapman said.
“Through initiatives ranging from disaster relief to school meals, we continue our efforts to ensure that no one in BARMM is left behind. We thank the Government and the people of Japan for their support,” Chapman added.
The ceremony was attended by the Embassy of Japan First Secretary Hidenori Akasaka; BARMM Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform Minister Mohammad Shuaib Yacob; Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Senior Undersecretary Isidro Purisima; and representatives of various national and BARMM government agencies.
In 2024, the partnership between Japan, the BARMM Government, and WFP provided food assistance and livelihood opportunities to 50,000 individuals, WFP stated.
