JICA Turns Over Dormitory, Equipment in BARMM

Strengthening the foundations of peace through education and skills development, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has formally turned over a newly completed male dormitory and 153 pieces of training equipment to the MBHTE–TESD Regional Manpower Development Center (RMDC) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The turnover ceremony, held on February 23, marks a significant milestone under JICA’s Programme for the Urgent Improvement of the Socioeconomic Infrastructures in the Bangsamoro Region. The two-story dormitory features six spacious rooms that can accommodate up to 96 trainees, offering a safe and supportive residential facility for learners coming from remote and underserved communities across the region.

Beyond the dormitory, JICA also handed over 153 units of training equipment to strengthen the RMDC’s capability to deliver 14 vocational courses aligned with the labor market needs of BARMM. The expanded capacity is expected to open more pathways to employment and entrepreneurship for the region’s youth.

The facility forms part of a JPY 1.8-billion (approximately PHP 700 million) grant package aimed at accelerating urgent socioeconomic infrastructure development in conflict-affected areas of Mindanao. Other components of the grant include the Farm-to-Market Road linking Barangay Romangaob in Upi and Barangay Ranao Pilayan in South Upi, turned over in October 2025, as well as the ongoing construction of the Provincial/City Manpower Development Center in Marawi City, with equipment procurement also underway for Marawi City and the Provincial Training Center in Basilan.

Collectively, these projects are designed to deliver tangible peace dividends by improving access to education, enhancing mobility, and expanding economic opportunities in formerly conflict-affected communities.

The ceremony was attended by Acting Senior Minister Abdullah M. Cusain, MBHTE Minister Mohagher M. Iqbal, Director General Ruby Andong, and First Secretary IMAMURA Makoto of the Embassy of Japan, together with representatives from partner organizations including the Japan International Cooperation System, Mohri Architect & Associates, INTEM Consulting, and the C.B. Garay Philwide Builders – 417 LP Construction Joint Venture.

In his remarks, JICA Chief Representative BABA Takashi underscored the dormitory’s deeper significance for its future occupants.

“For trainees coming from remote communities, this dormitory is more than a shelter — it is a safe and supportive space to study, grow, and build their future careers,” he said.

Acting Senior Minister Cusain acknowledged the project’s challenges, including pandemic-related disruptions and security concerns, and commended the collective perseverance that ensured its completion. Minister Iqbal, meanwhile, recalled the 2006 visit of former JICA President OGATA Sadako to Camp Darapanan, describing it as a pivotal moment that drew international attention to the Bangsamoro peace process.

“This inauguration symbolizes that peace is not merely discussed — it is built, so that the people of the Bangsamoro can tangibly enjoy the fruits of a hard-won peace,” Iqbal said.

JICA reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside its partners in Mindanao to advance lasting peace, strengthen human capital, and create meaningful opportunities for the next generation in BARMM.