The Japanese government is providing 757 million yen (around USD5 million or PHP290 million) in assistance to help livelihoods in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) become more climate-resilient.

The three-year project, to be implemented by the World Food Programme (WFP) Philippines, aims to directly benefit some 36,000 decommissioned combatants and vulnerable communities in the region through community-based climate adaptation activities.

“Through more accessible livelihood opportunities, we aim to ensure they feel included in the peace process and instill hope for a better future through peaceful economic participation,” Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya said.

Endo signed and WFP Philippines country director Regis Chapman signed the multiyear project in Makati City on Friday.

Endo reaffirmed Tokyo’s development support in the Bangsamoro, noting that the “peace process in Mindanao is crucial, not only for the Philippines, but also for the entire Asian region”.

“We trust our commitment will manifest through the tangible improvements in the lives of the people and communities,” he said.

Chapman said that with Japan’s steady support, they look forward to working alongside the national and BARMM governments to effectively implement the project.

“Through collaboration, we lay a stronger foundation for a peaceful, resilient, and food-secure Bangsamoro,” he said.

The WFP would work with the Bangsamoro Food Security Task Force to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and fisherfolk and enhance their market access.

Fortified rice would also be provided to community members as they engage in capacity strengthening activities.

The WFP likewise aims to support up to 360,000 people with enhanced access to localized early warning systems, last-mile climate services, and disaster risk management protocols.

“By having this localized weather information, the farmers and fisherfolk can prepare before calamities happen and protect their assets or even change their cropping calendars,” Toshio Murakami, WFP Programme Policy Officer for Smallholder Agricultural Market Support, told the Philippine News Agency.

Following the signing, Murakami said the WFP would sit down with stakeholders to identify the target areas within the Bangsamoro, especially those prone to flood and drought.

Also present during the ceremony were Deputy Presidential Adviser Senior Undersecretary Isidro Purisima; BARMM Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform Minister Shuaib Yacob; Chief Hasna Abubakar-Adam of the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority-Office of the Director General; and Senior Economic Development Specialist Maria Bianca Lee. (PNA)