Japan will contribute $5 million to the World Food Programme’s (WFP) three-year project focused on enhancing climate-resilient livelihoods in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya signed and exchanged notes with WFP Representative & Country Director in the Philippines Regis Chapmen during a ceremony held at the Ambassador’s Residence in Makati Friday morning.

In his keynote speech, the Japanese ambassador stressed the importance of sustainable livelihoods in the peace and development of BARMM.

“In achieving peace and order, sustainable agriculture is a vital component. This project primarily supports vulnerable communities in BARMM, focusing on decommissioned combatants seeking reintegration and a fresh start. 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,” Endo said.

The project builds on the Japanese government’s previous collaboration with WFP in BARMM. Since 2006, WFP has supported the peace process in Mindanao by providing technical assistance to strengthen government capacities for disaster risk management and climate change adaption and adopting effective policies to deliver sustainable programs.

Japan and the WFP will work closely with key national government agencies, the BARMM government, local government units (LGUs), and local communities to implement a comprehensive integrated resilience strategy in target communities with high food insecurity and exposure to climate change impacts.

“WFP is our partner on food security and nutrition activities since the very beginning of BARMM; they’ve helped us develop program and conduct workshops,” said Mohammad Shuaib Yacob, BARMM Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform, in an interview with Daily Manila Shimbun.

Japan and WFP have worked on projects focused on delivering school meals with local produce and strengthening the integration of smallholder farmers and fisherfolk into the agriculture value chain through improved market linkages, enhanced agricultural productivity, and robust healthy nutrition messaging.

The WFP and Japanese government also plan to establish a system within BARMM to collect weather information, which will be shared to farmers and fisherfolk for them to prepare in advance when potential risks are monitored.

“The BARMM has faced floods and droughts that damage agricultural activities. We’re looking at establishing an automated weather system and emergency prepared plans so that the communities can prepare in advance when natural calamities occur,” a representative from the WFP said.

The project will directly support 36,000 people through community-based activities, and up to 360,000 people will benefit from enhanced access to localized early warning systems, last-mile climate services, and DRM protocols.