DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 19 April) — Continued improvements in peace and security conditions in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will lay the foundation for potential investments from major Japanese companies, according to Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines, Endo Kazuya. During an interview at the Consulate General of Japan in Davao on Friday, Kazuya noted that some Japanese investors are still considering opportunities in BARMM, though no concrete projects have been finalized yet. He emphasized that a peaceful, stable, and secure environment is crucial for attracting investments.
The Japanese government is actively supporting the peace process in BARMM, viewing it as a chance to strengthen ties between Japan and Mindanao. Japanese companies, such as Sumifru, already operate in the region’s agricultural sector, running banana and pineapple farms. Kazuya expressed optimism about the upcoming 1st Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections on September 14, 2026, hoping for improved security conditions that would encourage investment.
At the National Day Reception celebrating the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan on February 19, Japanese Consul General Ono Hirotaka highlighted Japan’s strong ties with Mindanao in economic, cultural, educational, and people-to-people exchanges. Hirotaka reiterated Japan’s commitment to supporting Mindanao’s economic development through initiatives like the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), which began in 2025. The GGP provides facilities and equipment for education, health, agriculture, and capacity building in areas such as Cotabato, Davao del Norte, and Surigao del Norte.
Additionally, the Davao City Bypass Construction Project, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), marked a significant milestone last year with the completion of southbound and northbound tunnels. The 45.5-kilometer bypass road includes the country’s first-ever twin 2.3-kilometer-long mountain tunnels. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)
