Japan agency vows to support Bangsamoro

From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 4): Japan agency vows to support Bangsamoro

The world’s largest bilateral aid agency has vowed to assist the development of priority sectors identified in the Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP) to boost investments and create jobs in Mindanao.

Speaking during the BDP turn-over and launch in Maguindanao this week, Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) Chief Representative Noriaki Niwa reiterated JICA’s support to the projects identified in the BDP, saying that it is working with the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) for a Comprehensive Capacity Development Project for the Bangsamoro (CCDP) to assist in the transition to the Bangsamoro government.

The BDP, a roadmap outlining short and long–term strategies for recovery and development of Bangsamoro areas, was crafted by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) through the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA).

Under the Development Planning Component of CCDP, JICA helped craft sector-based plans to complete the Transitional Development Plan 2015-2016 for quick impact interventions in the transition.

It will also assist in the medium term development plan for 2016-2020 geared towards investments and inclusive growth.

Related to this, JICA, together with other development partners, government agencies, and the private sector will participate in the Philippines Development Forum on Bangsamoro this week to help tackle development challenges and issues in said sectors.

Early this year, JICA turned over the updated Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and held capacity building activities to further assist BDA staff in planning. Said GIS database is addition to the Y1.2 billion (roughly P475.6 million) topographic mapping project turned over by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to President Aquino last year.

JICA is an agency of the Japanese government responsible for implementing the technical cooperation, grant aid and yen loan programs of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) to developing countries such as the Philippines.

http://www.mb.com.ph/japan-agency-vows-to-support-bangsamoro/