Ambassador Toshinao Urabe attended the turnover ceremony of the Japan – funded “Japan – ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) Friendship Hall and Training Center” in Cotabato City last August 19, 2011 . This ceremony was hosted by the ARMM government and ARMM Acting Regional Governor Ansaruddin Alonto Adiong attended . The total cost of this project amounted to 34.6 million pesos, of which Japan funded 28.8 million pesos through the 6 th Non – Project Grant Assistance of Japan Counter – Value Fund (NPGA6 – CVF).
The Japan-ARMM Friendship Hall and Training Center will serve as a training center for the Human Resource Development Programs of ARMM's regional line agencies and adjacent administrative regions. The building houses the ARMM Development Academy (ADA) in charge of promoting the region's Human Resource Development Programs.
In collaboration with ongoing Japan's ODA projects, such as ARMM Human Capacity Development Project and the dispatch of Senior Advisor for Regional Development to ARMM, it is expected that the training center will also contribute to human resource development of the ARMM and other local government units.
Ambassador Urabe stated in his speech, “it is my sincere wish that this centre as well as all the support we have provided will be fully utilized to its maximum effect for our ultimate goal. Peace in Mindanao.”
Japan , as the top donor of the Philippines, has been implementing “Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development” or “J-BIRD” designed to contribute to the peace process and development in the conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. The training center is one of the J-BIRD projects. Japan believes that these projects will not only strengthen friendship between Japan and the Philippines but also contribute to further fostering a strategic partnership between the two countries toward the future.
Japan will continue to support the Philippine Government's initiative to reduce poverty and improve its economy.
Japanese Version
