Japan supports the Development of Sustainable Fishery Value Chains in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Project
2025/6/30

From 25 to 26 June, First Secretary Mr. AKASAKA Hidenori attended the inception and planning workshop for the “Development of Sustainable Fishery Value Chains in BARMM” project. Funded by the Government of Japan, the project is implemented in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Government.


As part of the activity, Mr. Akasaka joined site visits on June 27, to assess several initial target project sites. These included the MAFAR Tilapia hatchery at Mindanao State University – Maguindanao Campus in Datu Odin Sinsuat, and the Vannamei (white leg shrimp) production area operated by the Maguindanao United Agri-Farm Cooperative in Cotabato City.

In his speech during the workshop, Mr. Akasaka highlighted the importance of sustaining project gains beyond its duration, emphasizing local ownership, independence, resilience, and long-term self-reliance.
During these activities, Mr. Akasaka also engaged in a lively discussion with project partners, including MAFAR, members of the parliament, fisherfolk, and representatives from other agencies. They shared insights on the current state of the region’s fisheries sector and explored ways to support its improvement.