Japan provides US$5M to support farmers’ livelihood in BARMM thru World Food Programme

On 28 February 2025, Ambassador ENDO Kazuya signed and exchanged notes with World Food Programme (WFP) Representative & Country Director in the Philippines, Regis Chapman, for “The Project for Enhancing Climate-Resilient Livelihoods in Vulnerable Communities in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.” 

Also in attendance were Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Deputy Presidential Adviser Senior Undersecretary Isidro L. Purisima, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform Minister Mohammad Shuaib Yacob, and Office of the Director General – Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority Chief Hasna Abubakar-Adam.

To enhance resilience against climate change, the Government of Japan will contribute approximately 5 million US dollars to this three-year project. Through this initiative, the WFP will strengthen the local government unit (LGU)’s capacity for disaster management and enhance the farmers’ livelihood in BARMM by installing early warning systems for extreme weather events. The project will also establish disaster risk management plans and processes, as well as maintain irrigation systems as climate change adaptation measures. 

Further, the project aims to support the transformation of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) camps under the Camp Transformation Program. In his speech, Ambassador Endo emphasized the crucial role of sustainable livelihoods in achieving lasting peace and development in BARMM. He also expressed his hopes that this initiative, along with other ongoing efforts, will significantly enhance the livelihoods of the Bangsamoro people.