Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya signed and exchanged notes with World Food Programme (WFP) Representative and Country Director in the Philippines, Regis Chapman, for “The Project for Enhancing Climate-Resilient Livelihoods in Vulnerable Communities in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. [Photo Courtesy of Embassy of Japan in the Philippines]

MANILA, Philippines – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) lauded the Government of Japan’s commitment of JPY 757 million (approximately USD 5 million or PHP 290 million) to bolster climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
 
This initiative, which will be implemented by the World Food Programme (WFP) Philippines for the next three years, will benefit around 36,000 decommissioned combatants and vulnerable communities through community-based climate adaptation activities.

In a signing ceremony held recently, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya formalized the agreement with WFP Philippines Representative and Country Director Regis Chapman. The project, Enhancing Climate-Resilient Livelihoods in Vulnerable Communities in BARMM, aims to strengthen disaster risk management and agricultural resilience in the region.

Endo reaffirmed Japan’s steadfast support for peace and development in Mindanao, emphasizing the importance of sustainable livelihoods in fostering long-term stability. “Through more accessible livelihood opportunities, we aim to ensure that affected communities feel included in the peace process and are given hope for a better future through peaceful economic participation,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Chapman underscored the role of collaboration in achieving meaningful impact, noting that the project will work closely with the Bangsamoro Food Security Task Force to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and fisherfolk while enhancing their access to markets. In addition, fortified rice will be provided to communities engaged in capacity-strengthening activities to address food security challenges.

A key component of the initiative is the establishment of localized early warning systems and disaster risk management protocols to help communities prepare for extreme weather events. The project aims to support up to 36,000 individuals by enhancing access to climate services and equipping farmers and fisherfolk with critical information to safeguard their assets and optimize cropping schedules.

Following the signing, WFP Programme Policy Officer for Smallholder Agricultural Market Support Toshio Murakami highlighted the next steps, which include identifying priority areas within BARMM, particularly those most susceptible to flooding and drought.

Among the guests at the ceremony were Deputy Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Isidro Purisima, BARMM Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform Minister Mohammad Shuaib Yacob, and Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority Chief Hasna Abubakar-Adam.

Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director, welcomed the initiative as a significant step in strengthening climate resilience in BARMM. “The impacts of climate change continue to challenge our most vulnerable communities, making climate-resilient development a necessity. This collaboration between Japan, WFP, and the BARMM government exemplifies how international cooperation can drive meaningful action,” he said.

Borje further emphasized the CCC’s commitment to ensuring that climate adaptation initiatives reach the most at-risk communities. “We recognize that climate resilience is integral to sustainable peace and development. The CCC stands ready to support and work with our partners in advancing climate-responsive solutions that empower communities and promote a low-carbon, climate-resilient future,” he added.

Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Philippine government continues to prioritize climate resilience and sustainable development as key pillars of national progress. This initiative aligns with the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, both of which emphasize the need for localized, inclusive, and science-based adaptation strategies to protect communities against the risk of climate disasters. 

As the lead policymaking body on climate change, the CCC remains committed to advancing climate adaptation efforts across the Philippines, ensuring that no community is left behind in the pursuit of a resilient and sustainable future.