The Signing Ceremony for Japan-funded Agriculture Training Project in the Bangsamoro Region

    On September 23, 2019, Economic Minister Masahiro Nakata of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines attended the signing of partnership agreement between the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) for implementation of the Japan funded FAO “Project for Agricultural Training for the Establishment of Peace in Mindanao”. This event was led by BTA Acting Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua and FAO Representative Jose Luis Fernandez.
 
    The project, which is based on the exchange of notes signed between the Government of Japan and the FAO on March 2019, seeks to assist farmers and fisher-folks, including former combatants, women and indigenous peoples acquire various agricultural vocational expertise. It will provide sustainable livelihood and build healthier communities, which are key milestones to achieving peace and development in Mindanao.
 
    This project forms part of the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development, or J-BIRD to empower people and communities benefit from the dividends of peace. From 2006 to date, Japan has provided a total of about 13 billion pesos or 260 million US dollars’ worth of assistance to the Bangsamoro region.