Embassy of Japan: Message at the handover of the water system in Barangay Reina Regente, Datu Piang, Maguindanao under the ILO-Japan Water and Sanitation Project

By Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines at the handover ceremony of the water system in Barangay Reina Regente, Datu Piang, Maguindanao under the ILO-Japan Water and Sanitation Project, 15 March 2022, Maguindanao, Philippines

Meeting document | Maguindanao, Philippines | 15 March 2022
Honourable Minister Romeo K. Sema(オナラブル ミニスター ロメオ・ケイ・セマ)
Chair, Project Advisory and Review Committee of the ILO-Japan Water Project, and Minister, Ministry of Labor and Employment, BARMM

Honourable Country Director Khalid Hassan(オラナブル カントリーダイレクター カリード・ハサン)
International Labour Organization

Honourable Mayor Victor Samamaオラナブル メイヤー ビクトル・サママ)
Datu Piang, Maguindanao

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
(マガンダング ウマガ ポー)Magandang umaga po (Good morning)

I am pleased to join this handover ceremony and be with partners in our shared goal of lasting peace and progress in Mindanao. As one of its top priorities, the Government of Japan has actively engaged in this cause, demonstrating solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Mindanao.

Since 2006, Japan has extended over 13 billion pesos worth of assistance to this region through the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development or J-BIRD. In addition, Japan announced new assistance worth 12 billion pesos torward the Bangsamoro. Encompassing sectors like health, agriculture, education and livelihood, this umbrella program is aimed at enabling people and communities benefit from the dividends of peace.

The water system we are turning over today serves as another follow-through instrument of peace to further make development felt by the people. This project of Japan with the International Labour Organization (ILO) consists of 11 sub-projects that provide accessible, safe water to communities in Mindanao. Local beneficiaries are also engaged during the process by providing them with skills training and decent work opportunities.

Prior to this project, we note that majority of the people of Barangay Reina Regente have limited access to water, given its location. The long-lasting impact that this solar-powered water system will bring to the 95 households of this community is beyond measure. I hope it will further allow for a sustained flow of development in this part of Maguindanao and create a positive ripple effect in neighboring areas.

Before I conclude, please allow me to thank and wish well all our partners and stakeholders in this project, including the 82 locals employed to build this water system. I am grateful that this project received such wide support from community members and local water users association. The sustainability of this water system now rests in your hands.

The Bangsamoro region has already accomplished much. It may still have a long way to go, but the Government of Japan will be with this region throughout the entire process. Let us always hold firm to our vision of a peaceful and prosperous Mindanao where no one is left behind.

Maraming salamat po (Thank you very much!)