From March 4 to 6, 2024, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines hosted an Official Development Assistance (ODA) Press Tour, inviting media members to explore transformative initiatives in Mindanao.
Over three days, journalists saw impactful projects between Japan and the Philippines aimed at fostering collaboration and development.
The tour began at the JICA Cotabato Project Office, where journalists learned about the Capacity Development Project for Bangsamoro (CDPB). They also visited the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (BARMM-MAFAR) in Brgy. Nuling, Sultan Kudarat, to see the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) Approach training for farmers.
Next, they visited the Ibn Taimiyah Foundation Academy to see classrooms built through the Grassroots Grant Program and learned about collaborative educational efforts.
Day two focused on community development, starting with the Food for Asset (FFA) Project in Datu Piang, aimed at improving long-term food security. They then visited Brgy. Diocolano, Tamontaka V, Cotabato City, to see the Project for Enhancing Food Security and Livelihood in Bangsamoro.
The day concluded with a visit to Sultan Kudarat Maguindanao, where they learned about JICA’s Capacity Development and Assistance for Vocational Training for Decommissioned Combatants Project, aiming to equip decommissioned combatants with vocational training opportunities.
On the final day, they explored Japan’s peace-building efforts in Mindanao, including the “Project for Enhancing and Sustaining Peace and Security Mechanisms in Mindanao,” implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The Mindanao ODA Press Tour highlighted Japan and the Philippines’ enduring partnership in fostering positive change in local communities.
