The Government of Japan has pledged approximately 4.7 million US dollars to support sustainable fisheries in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) through a two-year project aimed at enhancing the livelihoods and resilience of small-scale aquafarmers and fishers.

On 4 February 2025, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya signed and exchanged notes for “The Project for the Development of Sustainable Fishery Value Chains in BARMM” with Lionel Dabbadie, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative in the Philippines. Also present at the signing ceremony was BARMM Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform Mohammad Yacob.

The project, to be implemented by the FAO, focuses on three key areas: Strengthening the capacity for innovative aquaculture at both farmer group and government levels; Assessing capture harvest potential and enhancing consolidated efforts to reduce post-harvest losses of fishery products; and reinforcing aquatic biosecurity, fish health, food safety, and halal compliance.

In his remarks, Ambassador Endo expressed hope that the initiative would bolster the capacities of local governments and fisherfolk in managing fisheries more effectively. He encouraged all relevant stakeholders to continue supporting efforts to build a future where fishers thrive, fishing communities live in peace and prosperity, and marine ecosystems are sustainably managed.