The Government of Japan, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has launched a two-year project to boost aquaculture and fisheries in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The initiative, titled “Development of a Sustainable Fishery Value Chain in BARMM,” was signed in 2025.

The project aims to strengthen productivity and resilience in BARMM’s aquaculture and fisheries — one of the Philippines’ most promising regions for the fish industry. By developing sustainable local value chains, it supports small-scale producers through training, promotes high-value species, introduces value-adding processes, and improves the skills and knowledge of stakeholders.

As part of ongoing project monitoring, First Secretary and Agriculture Attaché Akasaka Hidenori visited Tawi-Tawi Province on 10 February. He met with BARMM officials, local government units, and project beneficiaries to review progress and exchange ideas.

During his visit, Akasaka paid a courtesy call on Panglima Sugala Mayor Nurbert Sahali and other local officials. He stressed the importance of close collaboration with partners to ensure the project delivers tangible benefits and supports long-term community development.

Akasaka also visited Barangay Karaha, where he met with community-based fisherfolk groups running hatcheries for sea cucumbers, algae, abalone and other species. He toured the MAFAR-owned freshwater hatchery in Bongao to check on its rehabilitation, also supported by the project.

In his engagements, Akasaka highlighted the vital role of these hatcheries in promoting sustainable aquaculture, strengthening market linkages, enhancing food security, supporting livelihoods, and building community resilience.