Japan inaugurates two projects for human resources development in Maguindanao

February 17, 2011 – Two centers for human resources development in the province of Maguindanao funded by the Embassy of Japan under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) were inaugurated the past two days.

His Excellency Akio Isomata, Minister for Economic Affairs of the Embassy of Japan, led the colorful and enthusiastic inauguration ceremonies held at the projects sites of the Bangsamoro Human Wellness Center in Barangay Capiton, Datu Odin Sinsuat and the Expansion of the Bangsamoro Women Skills Training Center in Baranga Simuay, Sultan Kudarat.

Approximately eight (8) million Philippine Pesos was bankrolled for the two projects contracted with the United Youth of the Philippines (UnYPhil) – Women and the Ittihadun-Nisa’ Foundation (INFO).

Minister Isomata, in his message, expressed belief that the two projects will significantly contribute to promoting human resources development and well-being as well as the enhancement of technical skills that would help in generating livelihood and economic activities especially among the women sector.

Education, capability and livelihood trainings and other support services, particularly for the women who had been affected by the armed conflict, are being offered by the project proponents at these centers.

UnYPhil-Women and INFO expressed gratitude to the Embassy of Japan for the strong and continuing development assistance for the conflict affected communities in Mindanao and for the peace process between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“I believe that these community demand driven projects can propel bigger efforts for the realization of peace, stability and development in Mindanao,” Isaomata said.

“We assure you that Japan will continue to be a staunch supporter for the peace, stability and development of Mindanao through J-BIRD and whatever assistance it can offer,” Isomata said.

Dozens of projects worth hundreds of millions in Peso had been under implemented by Japan Embassy and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the conflict-affected areas in Mindanao under the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD).

His Excellency MGen Datuk Baharom bin Hamzah, Head of Mission of the Malaysia-led International Monitoring Team (IMT) for the GPH – MILF Peace Process, Said Shiek, Chairman of MILF CCCH, Major Carlos Sol, Head of Secretariat of GPH CCCH, Ustaz Mohammad Swaib Yacub, Executive Director of the Bangsamoro Development Agency, Naoyuki Ochiai, Japanese Member of IMT, national and local government agencies officials, officials of international nongovernment organizations, and UN Agencies were also present during the inauguration.

For his part, MILF CCCH Chairman Shiek said “Japan is helping strongly in all the facets and levels of the GPH –MILF Peace Process with its staunch participation with the International Contact Group (ICG), International Monitoring Team (IMT), in the reconstruction and development of the conflict-affected communities in Mindanao and other forms or schemes of development assistance through Embassy of Japan and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).”

Shiek said “the huge assistance of Japan for socio-economic development have both help significantly the GPH – MILF peace process thrust of nurturing trust and confidence of the ground and in peace forward the peace negotiation.”

“His Excellency Minister Isomata, kindly convey the endless gratitude of the MILF and the Bangsamoro to your government and your people. We hope that Japan will continue to help the peace process for as long as necessary,” he said.