JICA Turns Over New Male Dormitory and Equipment to Support Skills Development in the Bangsamoro Region

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has turned over the newly completed Male Dormitory of the MBHTE–TESD (Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education -BARMM) Regional Manpower Development Center (RMDC) in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, marking another major milestone under the Programme for the Urgent Improvement of the Socioeconomic Infrastructures in the Bangsamoro Region.

The turnover ceremony, held on 23 February, highlighted JICA’s continued commitment to supporting peacebuilding and human capital development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The two‑story dormitory contains six large rooms capable of accommodating up to 96 trainees, providing a safe and supportive learning environment for youth coming from remote and underserved communities. In addition to the dormitory, JICA also turned over 153 pieces of training equipment to enhance the RMDC’s capacity to deliver 14 vocational training courses aligned with the region’s labor market needs.

The new dormitory is a key output of the JPY 1.8‑billion (PHP 700 million) grant project supporting urgent socioeconomic infrastructure development across the Bangsamoro region. This grant package also includes the Farm‑to‑Market Road connecting Barangay Romangaob (Upi) and Barangay Ranao Pilayan (South Upi), which was turned over in October 2025, and the construction of the Provincial/City Manpower Development Center in Marawi City, now progressing with equipment procurement for both Marawi City and the Provincial Training Center in Basilan.

Together, these projects aim to ensure that communities in formerly conflict‑affected areas begin to experience tangible peace dividends through access to education, improved mobility, and economic opportunities.

The ceremony was attended by Acting Senior Minister Abdullah M. Cusain, MBHTE Minister Mohagher M. Iqbal, Director General Ruby Andong, and First Secretary IMAMURA Makoto of the Embassy of Japan, alongside partner organizations including the Japan International Cooperation System, Mohri Architect & Associates, INTEM Consulting, and the C.B. Garay Philwide Builders – 417 LP Construction Joint Venture.

In his remarks, JICA Chief Representative BABA Takashi emphasized the facility’s importance to trainees striving for a better future, stating:

“For trainees coming from remote communities, this dormitory is more than a shelter, it is a safe and supportive space to study, grow, and build their future careers.”

Acting Senior Minister Cusain reflected on the project’s challenges—including COVID‑19 disruptions and security concerns—and commended the collective perseverance that made its completion possible. Minister Iqbal recalled the visit of former JICA President OGATA Sadako to Camp Darapanan in 2006, noting how it drew global attention to the peace process. He added: “This inauguration of the facility symbolizes that peace is not merely discussed, it is built, so that the people of the Bangsamoro can tangibly enjoy the fruits of a hard‑won peace.”

JICA expresses its appreciation to all partners whose dedication contributed to the project’s success and looks forward to welcoming future trainees who will soon reside in the new dormitory.

JICA is proud to walk alongside its partners in Mindanao as they work to achieve lasting peace, empower communities, and create opportunities for the next generation.