BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi — June 17, 2025 | Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Endo Kazuya visited Tawi-Tawi on June 16–17, 2025, reaffirming Japan’s commitment to inclusive development and peacebuilding in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The visit began with a courtesy call to Governor Yshmael “Mang” I. Sali at the Governor’s Lounge, Capitol Building, where discussions highlighted ongoing partnerships between the Government of Japan and the Provincial Government of Tawi-Tawi. These include efforts supporting community safety, regional stability, and inclusive civil documentation.
Ambassador Kazuya’s visit marked a significant milestone in Japan’s continuing engagement in Mindanao, particularly in areas related to peace, governance, and social services. During the meeting, Provincial Planning and Development Officer Noor Saada provided updates on the province’s peace and order situation, emphasizing Tawi-Tawi’s efforts in sustaining stability and inclusivity. The Ambassador expressed Japan’s unwavering support for peacebuilding and praised the province’s efforts in promoting legal identity through civil registration.
A key highlight of the Ambassador’s visit was the ceremonial handover of vital resources for the Initiative for Promoting Digital Birth Registration in Tawi-Tawi, jointly supported by the Government of Japan and United Nations partners. Held in Bongao, the event saw the formal turnover of seed grants, advocacy materials, three vehicles, and a 12-seat motorboat to strengthen mobile registration in remote and underserved communities.
The project—implemented in partnership with UNHCR, UNICEF, Child Family Services International (CFSI), PSA-BARMM, the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC), RELIEF International, and the Department of Justice—aims to reach marginalized populations, such as the Sama Bajau, displaced children, and families of decommissioned combatants. It directly supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 16.9, which advocates for legal identity for all by 2030.
Notable attendees included MSSD Minister Atty. Raisa Jajurie, UNHCR Officer-in-Charge Atty. Lindsey Atienza, UNICEF Philippines Head of Field Office, and DOJ RSPPU State Counsel IV Atty. Melvin Suarez. Governor Sali expressed deep gratitude for the ongoing support, emphasizing the importance of inclusive civil registration in ensuring that no one in the province is left behind.
On June 17, Ambassador Kazuya and stakeholders also visited Sangay Siapoh, furthering engagements with local communities and witnessing firsthand the implementation of Japan-supported initiatives.
The visit underscored the enduring friendship between Japan and the Bangsamoro people and highlighted the critical role of international cooperation in building resilient, inclusive, and peaceful communities in Tawi-Tawi.