MANILA – The Government of Japan will contribute approximately USD 5 million to programs expected to support agricultural livelihoods, boost nutrition and food security, and improve education in targeted municipalities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
In a launching ceremony on Tuesday for the 3-year project, also called “The Project for the Promotion of ‘Farm-to-School’ Meals Programme Using Locally Harvested Products in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” in cooperation with the World Food Programme (WFP), Minister for Economic Affairs of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines NIHEI Daisuke attended the event, together with WFP Philippines Deputy Country Director Dipayan Bhattacharyya.
In a press statement, the Embassy of Japan in Manila confirmed the contribution and hopes that the project will be able to establish a school meal programme for targeted municipalities in the region, with the aim of providing nutritious and diversified meals for approximately 10,000 students every school day; and to strengthen linkages between local smallholder farmers and schools to enhance the integration of the school feeding supply chain.
According to Minister Nihei, it is of utmost significance to ensure that school children receive adequate nutrition to facilitate their learning, growth, and achievement.
Nihei also highlighted the project’s beneficial effects on the region’s food security and economy, underscoring its advantages for local communities and farmers.
(Photo courtesy of Embassy of Japan in the PH)
In attendance during the launching ceremony held at the SKCC, Bangsamoro Government Center in Cotabato City, were BARMM Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform Mohammad S. Yacob; Minister of Basic, Higher and Technical Education Mohagher lqbal; and Minister of Health Dr. Kadil Sinolinding.
