Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman and officials from the Government of Japan, together with the representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) convened at the International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security (ICWPS) to highlight human security and sustainable development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

 

The high-level side event, titled “Human Security towards a Resilient BARMM – Japan’s Approach in Promoting WPS Focusing on Health,” showcased the efforts of the Philippines and Japan in advancing gender equity and maternal health in BARMM, highlighting these initiatives as fundamental to peacebuilding and sustainable development in the region.

 

Expressing her personal connection to BARMM, Secretary Mina shared, “As a daughter of Mindanao, I would like to express my profound gratitude and respect to the Government of Japan for its strong support and long-term commitment in the pursuit of peace, stability, and human security, particularly within the BARMM.”

 

The DBM Sceretary underscored that the PH-JPN partnership through JICA and the UNFPA aligns closely with the Philippine government’s goal of uplifting BARMM’s vulnerable communities, ensuring that development initiatives remain inclusive and impactful.

 

In her opening statement, the Budget Secretary also commended the Embassy of Japan, JICA and UNFPA for launching two vital projects in BARMM.

 

“Allow me to commend the Embassy of Japan and JICA, in partnership with the UNFPA, for launching two significant programs in BARMM, ‘The Project for the Protection and Empowerment of Women for Addressing Women's Health Needs and Responding to Gender-based Violence in the BARMM,’ and ‘The Project Strengthening Services in Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition Improvement in the BARMM,’” Sec. Pangandaman said.

 

Secretary Mina likewise shared insights into the Philippine government’s Gender and Development (GAD) Budget Policy, which complements JICA’s projects by directing resources to empower women and meet critical health needs.

 

“The path toward gender equity, lasting peace, and security is a shared journey,” she noted, adding that collaborative efforts between the Philippine government and Japan are instrumental in elevating the health, security, and dignity of BARMM’s communities.

 

“Together, we can transform lives, empower women, and secure a brighter future for BARMM,” Secretary Mina affirmed, reiterating the government’s dedication to ensuring no one is left behind in the mission toward peace and prosperity.

 

“By collaborating effectively, we can drive impactful actions that will propel us toward our shared goal of achieving a brighter future for all… Let us join forces and make a difference together – for BARMM, for the whole country, and the rest of the world,” she ended.

 

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