Japan commits P155 million in food aid to BARMM

Japan will provide 350 million yen (P155 million) in food assistance to the vulnerable and conflict-affected communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the Japanese embassy in Manila said Thursday.

This will be implemented by the World Food Programme (WFP), which will procure roughly 1,788 metric tons of Japanese rice to be distributed to around 9,877 farming and fishing households, including decommissioned combatants and indigenous peoples in Bangsamoro, one of the poorest regions in the country.

“To supplement the food and nutrition needs of the targeted population, the Japanese rice will be fortified with iron prior to distribution,” the embassy said in a statement.

“Provision of technical assistance by the WFP to the target communities will further strengthen and assist in restoring their livelihoods. The WFP will collaborate with the BARMM government to co-implement this project.”

The food aid project was signed by Japan’s Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko and WFP country director Brenda Barton.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr., Foreign Affairs Acting Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and BARMM Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform Deputy Minister Ammal Solaiman were also in attendance as witnesses to the event.

“Through this undertaking, vulnerable and conflict-affected communities in BARMM are expected to have improved food security, resilience, and livelihood, which will enhance peace and achieve development in the region,” the embassy said. — Jiselle Anne Casucian/VBL, GMA News