The Government of Japan and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have launched a new aquaculture initiative in the Bangsamoro region to boost local livelihoods, curb fish production losses, and help rehabilitate inmates.
Japanese Minister for Economic Affairs Yokota Naobumi recently attended the groundbreaking ceremony for a new aquaculture pond at the Marawi City Jail. The project is designed to teach Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) aquaculture skills, offering them reliable livelihood opportunities to help them successfully reintegrate into society after their release.
During his visit to Lanao del Sur, Minister Yokota met with Provincial Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto Adiong Jr. and Poona Bayabao Mayor Janimah L. Derogongan-Pandi to discuss ways to strengthen the province’s agriculture and fishery sectors.
Minister Yokota also toured a local fishing association in Poona Bayabao that is receiving specialized training in entrepreneurship and feed mill operations. The project is currently building a pilot-scale, Halal-certified aquaculture feed mill facility and supplying the necessary equipment to help the community produce its own fish feed.
Fisheries are a crucial source of income for thousands of small-scale fishing communities across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). However, local fishers frequently struggle with declining fish production and heavy post-harvest losses due to a lack of storage and processing facilities.
To tackle these issues, Japan and the FAO are running The Project of Sustainable Fishery Value Chain in BARMM from 2025 to 2027. The development initiative spans five major provinces of Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Lanao del Sur,Basilan andTawi-Tawi.
