JICA Supports Road Network Improvement and Maintenance in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)

The Record of Discussions (R/D) for the “Project for Strengthening Management Capacity of Road Network Improvement and Maintenance in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao” was recently signed by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Philippines Office Senior Representative IDE Soichiro and BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua.

The R/D establishes a mutual agreement for the Project implementation by both parties. The Project, which will be implemented from 2026 to 2029, will focus on the capacity development of the Ministry of Public Works (MPW) in the field of road network management and will cover the whole territory of BARMM.
To support the BARMM government’s policies toward infrastructure development, JICA is supporting the construction and improvement of access roads to arterial roads, and farm-to-market roads across the region, including that in Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte. In addition to providing support for hard infrastructure components such as road construction, this project will operationalize a road network improvement and maintenance capacity to improve and maintain roads in a sustainable manner as part of our soft component support.

The 2^nd Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP 2023 – 2028) prioritizes scaling up, strategic, climate resilient infrastructure including roads and bridges and energy projects to support sustainable socio-economic growth in BARMM. In the discussion of JICA’s ongoing projects in BARMM, Senior Representative Ide reaffirmed JICA’s unwavering commitment to the long-term development of the Bangsamoro region.

The project activities will be implemented to support the three (3) outputs, namely: (i) MPW’s jurisdiction for road improvement and maintenance is defined through the drafting of a road classification plan; (ii) Road and bridge database is developed and utilized for road network management; and (iii) A model of workflows for road improvement and maintenance is formulated through pilot activities as selected MPW divisions and a selected District Engineering Office.

Chief Minister Macacua recognized JICA for its continued support to the Bangsamoro Government’s peace and development programs. He added that the partnership also supports the Bangsamoro Government’s Mas Matatag na Bangsamoro Agenda (Stronger Bangsamoro Agenda), which prioritizes stronger institutions, improved public services, and infrastructure development under the guiding principles of Moral Governance.

This acceptance of records of discussions stands as a testament to 70 years of strong Philippines and Japan friendship, founded on common aspirations for peace and sustainable development. JICA gratefully acknowledges the dedication of all partners involved in signing this R/D and is eager to continue working closely with the BARMM- Ministry of Public Works.