On 04 – 06 March 2024, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines hosted an Official Development Assistance (ODA) Press Tour, inviting members of the media to delve into the transformative initiatives taking place in Mindanao. Over the three-day tour, the media witnessed firsthand the impactful projects between Japan and the Philippines, aimed at fostering collaboration and development in Mindanao,
The journey commenced with a visit to the JICA Cotabato Project Office, offering the media delegation a comprehensive overview of the Capacity Development Project for Bangsamoro (CDPB). Venturing to the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (BARMM-MAFAR) in Brgy. Nuling, Sultan Kudarat, journalists witnessed the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) Approach in-field training for farmers, a vital component of the CDPB. Engaging interviews with trainers and farmers illuminated the tangible outcomes of this initiative, further underscored by a visit to a demo field showcasing project achievements.
Continuing the journey, the delegation explored the Ibn Taimiyah Foundation Academy, where classrooms constructed through the Grassroots Grant Program were unveiled. Dr. Ombra Imam, Director for Research and Extension at ITFA, provided invaluable insights into the collaborative educational efforts between Japan and the Philippines, highlighting the profound impact on local communities.
Day two unfolded with a focus on community development initiatives, commencing with a visit to the Food for Asset (FFA) Project in Datu Piang. Partnering with the UN World Food Programme (WFP), this initiative aims to bolster long-term food security and resilience. Exploring Barangay Reina Regente, Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur, journalists witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of the FFA Project, particularly in addressing flood-related challenges faced by the community.
Further exploration led the delegation to Brgy. Diocolano, Tamontaka V, Cotabato City, where the Project for Enhancing Food Security and Livelihood in Bangsamoro, facilitated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was in full swing. Witnessing the handover ceremony of a Backhoe Loader highlighted the project’s holistic approach to addressing food security and livelihood concerns.
The day concluded with a visit to Sultan Kudarat Maguindanao, where JICA’s Capacity Development and Assistance for Vocational Training for Decommissioned Combatants Project took center stage. This initiative aims to equip decommissioned combatants with vocational training opportunities, contributing to peaceful and productive communities. Engaging with Mr. Ochiai Naoyuki, JICA’s Special Advisor to the Chief Minister of BARMM, provided invaluable insights into the peacebuilding process in Mindanao.
On the final day, the delegation embarked on a journey to the Joint Peace and Security Committee (JPSC) Secretariat, delving into Japan’s peace-building efforts in the region. Exploring the “Project for Enhancing and Sustaining Peace and Security Mechanisms in Mindanao,” implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), journalists gained deeper insights into capacity-building initiatives for the Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST), a crucial force in maintaining peace in conflict-affected areas.
The Mindanao ODA Press Tour served as a testament to the enduring partnership between Japan and the Philippines, underscoring a shared commitment to fostering positive change in local communities. As the tour concluded, participants departed with a renewed appreciation for the transformative impact of collaborative initiatives in Mindanao.
