Japan extends assistance to BARMM’s fisheries sector

The Japanese government provided support to the development and sustainability of the fisheries sector in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). 

In a press release issued Wednesday, the Embassy of Japan in Manila said the aid was through the Development of Sustainability Fishery Value Chains in BARMM Project.

“This project will improve the efficiency and sustainability of aquatic food value chains, strengthening market linkages and building the capacity of small-scale producers through entrepreneurship, alternative species, and value-added processing in BARMM,” First Secretary Akasaka Hidenori of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines said.

During an inception and planning workshop, Akasaka focused on empowering fisherfolk with resilient aquaculture and post-harvest technologies. 

The Japanese official also proposed enhancing fish stock monitoring and management. 

“We look forward to a BARMM fishery sector that thrives on local ownership, independence, resilience, and long-term self-reliance—even beyond the duration of this intervention,” he said. 

Funded by the Japanese government, the project is implemented in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) of the BARMM Government.

Recently, Japan also promised to help the region in promoting the digital birth registration of individuals. —VBL, GMA Integrated News