JICA to intensify aid to Mindanao areas

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) welcomes the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro which was signed yesterday by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as a significant step towards lasting peace and sustainable development in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.
Japan is contributing to peace and development of the Mindanao region through three aspects. They are the dispatch of experts to the Social and Economic Development Section of the IMT;  economic cooperation projects in conflict-affected areas through the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BiRD); and  the participation in the International Contact Group (ICG) that is providing advice by attending the peace talks as an observer.
JICA reported it has been proactively implementing the reconstruction and development projects in Mindanao through J-BiRD with the aim of enhancing the peace building in the area.
J-BiRD was launched in December 2006 aiming Japan’s commitment to the peace process support to the Conflict-Affected Areas in Mindanao (CAAM) on the occasion of commemorating the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties between Japan and the Philippines. To date, J-BiRD has completed several projects in CAAM.
“The final comprehensive peace agreement is yet to be seen. In spite of the issues left for further negotiation, JICA is confident that both parties will work even harder to conclude the peace agreement in the very near future. In the meantime, JICA commits itself to support the peace process as well as the people, who are aspiring for better lives under lasting peace,” said Hideaki Domichi, JICA senior vice president.
Domichi and Takahiro Sasaki, JICA Philippines chief representative, attended the signing of the Framework Agreement held in Malacanang yesterday.
Japan is the Philippines’ top development aid partner providing official development assistance (ODA) through concessional loans, grants and technical cooperation in a wide range of areas, including infrastructure, to support growth as well as assistance to address vulnerabilities. Between 1967 and 2008, Japan ODA to the Philippines has totalled US$20.560 billion. The Philippines ranks as the fourth largest recipient, next to Indonesia, China and India.