Opening Ceremony for the Assistance for Security, Peace, Integration and Recovery for Advancing Human Security in BARMM (ASPIRE) Project in Basilan

On 5 October 2023, the opening ceremony for the Assistance for Security, Peace, Integration and Recovery for Advancing Human Security in the BARMM (ASPIRE) Project was held in Isabela City, Basilan.

The ASPIRE project is funded by the Government of Japan through a Grant Aid worth 579 million Japanese Yen and is being implemented by the United Nations Development Programme. The project aims to establish a system for the management and reduction of privately-owned Small and Light Weapons and support the socio-economic development of the residents in target communities selected jointly by MILF and the government of the Philippines.

Basilan was one of the pilot sites identified, after a series of discussions among stakeholders, owing to its prior experience of SALWs management under the strong initiative of Governor Hataman. Ambassador Koshikawa, in his video message, expressed his appreciation for the strong commitment and support of the Joint Normalization Committee – Government of the Philippines, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity, Joint Normalization Committee – Moro Islam Liberation Front, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, in Basilan, as well as the UNDP for its persistent efforts in facilitating step by step the discussions among stakeholders.

Recognizing Mindanao's importance to peace and stability not just in the Philippines, but in the entire region, Ambassador Koshikawa stated that "the opening of pilot sites under ASPIRE is one more decisive step towards the goal of decommissioning and normalization."

Japan has been contributing to the Peace Process for more than 2 decades. To date, over USD 515 million in more than 100 projects have been undertaken under the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development. Japan remains committed to its support for the progress of the Peace Process and further development in Mindanao.