Japan, WFP ink BARMM resilient livelihood pact

Japan and the World Food Programme signed an agreement Thursday to enhance climate-resilient livelihoods in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya and WFP representative and country director Regis Chapman exchanged notes for the $5-million project.

The three-year project aims to strengthen local government units’ disaster management capacity and enhance farmers’ livelihoods in BARMM. It will install early warning systems for extreme weather events, establish disaster risk management plans and maintain irrigation systems.

The project will also support the transformation of Moro Islamic Liberation Front camps under the Camp Transformation Program.

Endo stressed the role of sustainable livelihoods in achieving peace and development in BARMM.

Officials from the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace, Reconciliation and Unity and the BARMM Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform attended the signing.

In other developments, Endo also visited Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur from 25 to 26 February.

In Ilocos Norte, Endo met with Governor Matthew Manotoc and Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos.

Endo and Manotoc signed a grant contract for disaster relief rescue boats. Endo also discussed the Osaka-Kansai Expo and expressed his desire to strengthen cooperation with Ilocos Norte.

Over at Ilocos Sur, Endo met with Governor Jerry Singson and discussed tourism and infrastructure cooperation. He also visited the historic district of Vigan and other landmarks.