The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has welcomed the new Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) representative for the region as it thanked the agency’s continuing support in managing the finances of the regional bureaucracy.

In a statement Wednesday, Minister Ubaida Pacasem of the BARMM’s Ministry of Finance, Budget and Management (MFBM) said the agency is elated by the continuing commitment of JICA in advancing financial and budget management of the region.

“To Mr. Yo Ebisawa, thank you for your efforts, especially in strengthening Public Financial Management (PFM) in BARMM,” Pacasem told the outgoing JICA representative.

JICA representatives paid a courtesy call to BARMM officials at the regional center here Tuesday.

Ide Soichiro has replaced Ebisawa as the new JICA representative for BARMM.

“Mr. Ide Soichiro, we welcome you to the BARMM as we embark on another milestone in advancing financial and budget management in the region. The MFBM remains committed to working with you,” Pacasem said.

He also expressed his gratitude for the invaluable support of JICA to BARMM since the ratification of the Republic Act 11054, also known as the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

“We see all of these as a gesture of goodwill that has proven helpful as we continue to work in achieving a transparent, inclusive, and responsible government anchored to the principles of moral governance,” he said.

Through JICA, Japan has been a leading figure among international partners of the Philippine government that are engaged in peace and development initiatives in the southern Philippines. (PNA)