Under JICA’s Technical Cooperation for Grassroots Projects (TCGP), the “Project to Develop Cacao and Chocolate Industries for Peace in the Bangsamoro Region” will run from January 2026 to January 2028 in collaboration with Hiroshima University and local cooperatives. The initiative focuses on strengthening the region’s emerging cacao and chocolate industry—seen as a viable pathway to inclusive growth and peacebuilding.

At its core, the project supports community-based cacao farmers in improving bean quality and adopting better post-harvest and processing practices. This addresses long-standing challenges in parts of Mindanao, where pests, diseases, and environmental pressures have affected productivity and income stability. By equipping farmers with technical knowledge and practical skills, the program aims to create more resilient and sustainable livelihoods.

Two cooperatives will serve as pilot sites. In Maguindanao del Norte, Al Noor Salam (Light of Peace) Farm will receive targeted support to enhance production consistency. In Lanao del Sur, Kakaw Meranaw will refine its chocolate-making processes and elevate product quality. Technical training—led by Hiroshima University—covers cultivation, fermentation, drying, and quality control.

Hands-on training is already underway, with the first session held in Tupi, South Cotabato from March 27 to April 1, 2026. Farmers from Maguindanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur are participating in intensive learning sessions designed to strengthen both production and processing capabilities.

Selected participants will also undergo advanced chocolate-making training in Japan, enabling them to transfer specialized skills to their communities. Central to the initiative is the concept of “Chocolate for Peace,” which positions cacao not just as an agricultural product but as a catalyst for community empowerment, social cohesion, and future market readiness.

Beyond farmer training, the project also strengthens institutions. MAFAR personnel are participating in technical sessions and remote consultations, while a regional cacao research and support network will be established across Western Mindanao to address persistent issues such as pest and disease management.

JICA said it hopes the initiative will lead to sustainable, community-driven business models for high-quality, branded cacao and chocolate from Bangsamoro—demonstrating how agriculture can contribute directly to peacebuilding.

The project also forms part of broader Philippines-Japan cooperation as both countries mark 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, underscoring a shared commitment to human security, inclusive development, and lasting peace in Mindanao.

Beginning April 2026, Japan will move away from its long-standing sole custody system, permitting divorced parents to share parental authority. If couples fail to reach an agreement, family courts will step in and decide based on the best interests of the child.

The policy change was presented during a high-level meeting at the CFO on March 26, where CFO Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II met with a Japanese delegation led by Wako Asato of Kyoto University and representatives from the Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA).

While the reform introduces more flexibility for separated parents, challenges remain, particularly for foreign nationals.

JFBA representative Keiko Kato cautioned that Filipino migrants may struggle to navigate the new system due to language barriers and the limited availability of Japanese lawyers who can effectively assist non-Japanese clients.

To address potential legal gaps arising from Japan’s policy shift, the CFO has proposed a Memorandum of Understanding with the JFBA.

The agreement aims to provide direct legal assistance to Filipinos in Japan, conduct joint information campaigns on legal rights, and update pre-departure training modules to reflect the evolving legal landscape.

The JFBA has expressed openness to the proposal, pending approval from its headquarters.

Japan hosts one of the largest Filipino communities in Asia, with over 300,000 nationals residing in the country. Once dominated by overseas workers, this population has evolved into a more permanent and settled community, including long-term residents, second-generation Filipinos, and families formed through Filipino-Japanese marriages.

As a result, Filipino migrants are particularly vulnerable to changes in Japan’s civil and family laws, especially when cross-border marriages break down.

The custody reform also comes alongside a tightening immigration environment under Japan’s current administration. Foreign residents are expected to face stricter requirements on tax and insurance compliance, as well as more rigorous standards for permanent residency. Language proficiency may also become a factor in visa renewals, with violations potentially resulting in deportation or re-entry bans.

For its part, the CFO, an agency under the Office of the President mandated to safeguard the rights and welfare of overseas Filipinos, underscored its role in preparing migrants for life abroad.

Through programs such as the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) and the Guidance and Counseling Program (GCP), the agency equips Filipinos with practical knowledge of foreign laws, cultural norms, and potential risks. It also operates a national helpline and screens outbound spouses to prevent cases of trafficking and exploitation.

Established under Batas Pambansa Bilang 79, the CFO focuses on the needs of permanent migrants and Filipinos in cross-border marriages, complementing the work of other agencies such as the Department of Migrant Workers, which primarily serves temporary overseas workers.

With Japan’s legal reforms and immigration policies evolving in tandem, Philippine authorities are moving to ensure that Filipino migrants are better informed, protected, and prepared for the complexities of living and raising families abroad.

Endo, together with Maria Theresa P. Lazaro, formalized the Exchange of Notes covering the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) Phase 1 (IV) and the Central Mindanao High Standard Highway (Cagayan de Oro–Malaybalay Section) Engineering Services, with a combined loan package of 221.672 billion yen.

In his remarks, the Japanese envoy emphasized that Japan’s Official Development Assistance goes “beyond financial support,” describing it as a cornerstone of a “strong partnership that deepens trust” between Tokyo and Manila while promoting sustainable growth and regional stability.

“Supporting the Philippines’ development is not only vital for the country itself, but also for the stability and prosperity of the wider region,” Endo said, reaffirming Japan’s commitment to sustained cooperation even as bilateral ties expand into security and other areas.

The bulk of the financing—220 billion yen—will support the continued rollout of the MMSP, the country’s first underground railway system. Endo stressed its transformative impact, noting it is expected to ease congestion across Metro Manila, reduce environmental impact, and enable faster, more efficient mobility that will stimulate economic activity and improve the quality of life for Filipinos.

Meanwhile, 1.672 billion yen has been earmarked for engineering services for the Mindanao highway project, a key component of a broader transport network linking Cagayan de Oro and Davao City.

Endo highlighted the project’s role in promoting inclusive growth, particularly in underserved areas, saying it will improve access to rural communities and strengthen regional connectivity. He added that, alongside the Davao City Bypass Project, the highway will serve as “an indispensable foundation” for Mindanao’s long-term, sustainable development.

The Japanese ambassador also placed the agreements in a broader historical and geopolitical context, noting that 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of normalized diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines.

“As we face increasingly complex global challenges, it is clear that we must continue to strengthen our strategic partnership,” he said, pointing to expanding cooperation not only in infrastructure but also in security, culture, and human resource development.

The financing package comes with concessional terms, including a 0.8% interest rate, a 40-year repayment period, and a 10-year grace period, under Japan’s tied loan arrangement.

Endo expressed hope that the agreements would further deepen bilateral ties, describing the signing as a catalyst for “stronger bonds” between the two nations moving forward.

Executives from more than 20 European companies, speaking during a three-day visit to Brussels, stressed the need for sustained high-level engagement with ASEAN to match the bloc’s growing strategic importance.

Key priorities highlighted included progress on EU trade agreements with ASEAN countries, along with practical cooperation in digital trade, green finance, energy transition, transport, and sustainability. Business leaders argued that stronger EU engagement is vital as rivals like China, Japan, and India expand their influence in Southeast Asia.

EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) Chairman Jens Ruebbert said: “The EU is one of ASEAN’s largest investors, yet it often lags behind other partners whose leaders maintain a strong presence. If the EU wants a permanent seat at the table, its leaders must show up.”

Executives also urged momentum on a region-to-region EU-ASEAN free trade agreement (FTA), citing the upcoming 50th anniversary as an ideal moment to launch negotiations. EU-ABC Executive Director Chris Humphrey added: “Starting FTA talks next year would be a milestone for EU-ASEAN relations.”

Meanwhile, the council called for the swift signing of the EU-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and speedy FTA conclusions with the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Beyond trade, business leaders emphasized practical cooperation, including investments in ASEAN’s Power Grid, sustainable transition projects, and development initiatives supported by the European Investment Bank, Global Gateway programs, and EU capacity-building efforts.

During their visit, EU-ABC members met with Commissioners Dan Jørgensen and Olivér Várhelyi; cabinet members of EVP Stéphane Séjourné, Commissioners Wopke Hoekstra and Jessika Roswall; officials from multiple DGs including TRADE, ENER, and INTPA; European External Action Service Asia Director Erik Kurzweil; advisors to European Council President António Costa; and MEP Wouter Beke.

Ruebbert concluded: “Brussels shows strong interest in ASEAN. The challenge is turning that interest into sustained engagement and practical cooperation that benefits both regions.”

As the Philippines and Japan celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations, leaders and experts underscored a profound and evolving commitment between the two nations—one that has moved beyond strategic choice and into urgent necessity amid today’s volatile global landscape.

Speaking at a high-level conference organized by the Stratbase Institute and the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, officials emphasized that the enduring partnership between Manila and Tokyo now stands as a cornerstone for stability, resilience, and shared prosperity in an increasingly uncertain world.

Stratbase President and CEO Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit said the current geopolitical climate is “not a normal moment,” calling for stronger, more decisive collaboration among trusted partners.

“In a region where the stakes continue to rise, the Philippines and Japan have both the opportunity and the responsibility to work together—to strengthen economic resilience, enhance security cooperation, and uphold the principles that keep our region stable and open,” Manhit said.

He stressed that deeper cooperation is now essential, particularly in safeguarding supply chains and reducing vulnerabilities as geopolitical tensions intensify across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

Diplomatic ties between Tokyo and Manila were formally normalized on July 23, 1956 under then President Elpidio Quirino, marking a post-war reconciliation that has since evolved into one of the region’s most enduring and strategic partnerships.

Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya described the relationship as entering a “golden age,” with cooperation “deepening and extending steadily across all fields.”

“As maritime nations along vital sea lanes, allied with the United States and facing similar challenges to maritime order, our security cooperation is a natural necessity,” Endo said.

Japan remains the Philippines’ top source of official development assistance (ODA), supporting major infrastructure projects nationwide, while also emerging as a key defense partner. This includes the landmark Reciprocal Access Agreement signed in 2024, enabling joint military training and troop deployments.

Endo also highlighted expanding multilateral engagements, including trilateral cooperation with the United States and quadrilateral initiatives with Australia, as well as increased participation of Japan Self-Defense Forces in joint exercises such as Balikatan.

Beyond defense and infrastructure, both countries are exploring new frontiers in cooperation, including space, green transformation (GX), digital transformation (DX), and artificial intelligence.

Finance Secretary Frederick Go reaffirmed Manila’s commitment to deepening ties, noting that the relationship has matured into one between “like-minded nations working together to advance stability, resilience, and opportunity in our region.”

Former Supreme Court associate justice Antonio Carpio, for his part, underscored the strategic importance of Philippine-Japan cooperation in upholding a rules-based order in the West Philippine Sea.

“What will happen five to 10 years from now in the South China Sea depends on what we do today,” Carpio said. “Our objective is to ensure that the rules-based order applies—anchored on UNCLOS and reinforced by the arbitral award—so the international community can stand behind it.”

“In times of global uncertainty, close collaboration among ASEAN+3 economies is more crucial than ever. By anticipating risks, sharing insights, and coordinating policy responses, member economies can navigate these challenges together,” the DOF said in a news release.

ASEAN+3 refers to the cooperation framework among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Member Countries and the three East Asian countries, namely China, Japan, and South Korea. Established in 1997, ASEAN+3 aims to strengthen regional integration and build an East Asian Community.

The ASEAN+3 Finance Process serves as a platform for member economies to discuss financial and macroeconomic developments and address regional risks and challenges, the DOF said.

While each economy manages its own domestic pressures, a united regional approach is key to building resilience and safeguarding stability against external shocks.

In line with this, the DOF pushed to advance regional disaster risk financing in response to climate-related challenges.

Member economies expressed support for continued collaboration and for creating a roadmap to boost regional resilience and preparedness, which will be further discussed at the ASEAN+3 Finance and Central Bank Deputies’ Meeting (AFCDM+3) in April 2026.

This vision of support was evident at the second Task Force Meeting held from March 3-4, 2026, in Osaka, Japan, which was co-chaired by the DOF and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), together with the Japan Ministry of Finance (JMOF) and the Bank of Japan (BOJ).

International Finance Group (IFG) Assistant Secretary Donalyn U. Minimo, who co-chaired the meeting, said that recent disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and the resulting volatility in oil and LNG prices have direct impacts on fiscal space, economic growth, and livelihoods.

Member economies likewise supported ongoing discussions on the DOF-championed Sovereign Asset and Fiscal Empowerment (SAFE) Facility, which embeds disaster insurance directly into development projects financed by bilateral and multilateral partners.

The DOF also continued to advance the Philippines- and Japan-led ASEAN+3 Fiscal Exchange, a platform for Finance Ministries to share best practices and insights, strengthening collective regional resilience.

The Philippines is Chair of the 2026 ASEAN, with the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.”

Yokota Naobumi, Minister for Economic Affairs of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, attended the handover ceremony of thirteen generators with trailers to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on March 6, 2026.

The equipment was provided through Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), highlighting Tokyo’s continued commitment to strengthening the Philippines’ maritime law enforcement and safety capabilities.

The generators will supply power to PCG patrol vessels while docked, allowing onboard systems to function without relying on the ships’ internal generators. This support is expected to reduce mechanical wear and maintenance demands on the vessels, improve operational efficiency, and enable Coast Guard personnel to focus on their core missions—protecting lives, enforcing maritime law, and ensuring safety at sea.

In his remarks, Yokota emphasized that the assistance reflects Japan’s long-standing support for the Philippines in building resilience and maritime capacity.

“Japan has long been the Philippines’ largest contributor of Official Development Assistance, guided by the belief that lasting peace is achieved through the steady upbuilding of capacity, resilience, and cooperation,” he said.

He added that as maritime democracies, Japan and the Philippines share a common interest in ensuring safe and secure seas—an essential pillar of their security, economic vitality, and way of life.

Minister Yokota also highlighted the expanding cooperation between the Japan Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard, which includes training exchanges and joint activities designed to enhance maritime capability and operational preparedness.

Through a combination of equipment support, technical expertise, and joint training, Japan and the Philippines continue to advance a comprehensive approach to maritime capacity-building aligned with Tokyo’s vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

This year also marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines, a milestone both countries view as an opportunity to further deepen cooperation in support of regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

Japan reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with the Philippines in strengthening maritime capabilities and maritime domain awareness, grounded in mutual trust and shared democratic values.

“Let us reaffirm today the enduring strength of our partnership and our shared determination to safeguard the seas,” Yokota said.

“Patuloy nating patibayin ang pagkakaibigan ng Japan at Pilipinas.”

Japan is stepping up its security and economic support for the Philippines, pledging closer maritime cooperation, infrastructure assistance, and defense collaboration to uphold a rules-based Indo-Pacific amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.

Speaking at the symposium “Safeguarding the Maritime Domain for the Free and Open Indo-Pacific” in Makati City, Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya emphasized that peace and stability cannot be taken for granted and must be actively and collectively sustained.

The event was organized by the Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA) and the Stratbase Institute for Strategic and International Studies, bringing together policymakers, security experts, and stakeholders from Japan, the Philippines, the United States, and India. National Security Council Secretary Eduardo Año also attended.

Ambassador Endo highlighted that 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the Free and Open Indo-Pacific initiative launched by former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Over the past decade, more countries have adopted their own Indo-Pacific strategies, and ASEAN has advanced the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, reflecting a high degree of synergy with Japan’s initiatives.

He stressed the importance of deeper cooperation among like-minded partners in addressing evolving maritime challenges, emerging technologies, and strategic competition in the region. “To maintain a region rooted in freedom and the rule of law, partners must work together to uphold a free and open international order that benefits all countries, large and small alike,” he said.

The Philippines is a key strategic partner in Japan’s regional agenda. Endo highlighted the entry into force of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) and the ongoing negotiations for the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), which deepen defense and security collaboration. Japan has also supported the Philippine Coast Guard through the provision of advanced vessels, including BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Melchora Aquino, and participated in Maritime Cooperative Activities with the Philippines and other allies.

Economic resilience is also central to Japan’s strategy in the region. Japan remains the largest provider of official development assistance to the Philippines, with around 1,600 Japanese companies operating in the country. Investments in infrastructure projects, such as the Metro Manila Subway Project and the Central Mindanao High Standard Highway, are designed to strengthen connectivity and supply chain stability. Japanese support for digital infrastructure, undersea cable networks, and cybersecurity initiatives further enhances the Philippines’ economic resilience.

Ambassador Endo also highlighted the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines and noted the strong people-to-people ties, including the significant presence of Filipino seafarers on Japanese-operated vessels.

As geopolitical tensions continue to shape the Indo-Pacific, Japan will continue to work closely with the Philippines, ASEAN, the United States, and other like-minded partners to ensure the region remains free, open, and governed by international law.

The event, titled Safeguarding the Maritime Domain for the Free and Open Indo-Pacific, was co-hosted by the Japan Institute of International Affairs and the Stratbase Institute for Strategic and International Studies. Also present at the symposium was Eduardo Año of the National Security Council.

In his keynote address, Ambassador Endo emphasized that maintaining peace and stability in the region requires sustained collective effort.

“Peace and stability cannot be taken for granted. It must be actively and collectively sustained,” he said.

The ambassador reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to working closely with the Philippines and other like-minded partners to uphold a rules-based international order and deepen cooperation on maritime security.

The symposium brought together government officials, security experts, and policy stakeholders to exchange views on evolving maritime challenges and explore opportunities for stronger regional collaboration. Discussions highlighted the importance of collective action in ensuring maritime security and supporting long-term peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region.

Participants underscored that strengthened partnerships and shared adherence to international rules and norms remain essential to advancing the vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

“With 70 years of friendship behind us, let us make our tapestry of friendship a lasting heritage of harmony. What future generations can cherish.”

These words from Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo set the tone for an evening of remembrance and renewal as diplomats, lawmakers, and distinguished guests gathered in Manila on Tuesday to celebrate the 66th birthday of His Imperial Majesty and the 70th anniversary of Philippine-Japan friendship.

In his remarks, Endo looked back at the difficult post-war years that eventually gave way to one of the Philippines’ most enduring partnerships. He noted that “our history is marked by our commitment to peace, reconciliation, and cooperation,” recalling President Elpidio Quirino’s 1953 pardon of Japanese prisoners of war and the 1956 reparations agreement that paved the way for reconciliation and collaboration.

Today, that reconciliation has evolved into a multifaceted partnership spanning development, security, and people-to-people ties.

The ambassador underscored that “Japan has been a steadfast partner in the Philippines development through official development assistance,” citing major infrastructure projects such as the Metro Manila Subway and the North-South Commuter Railway. He added that growing security cooperation—including joint exercises and official security assistance—“has also contributed to the strengthening of the Philippines defense capabilities.”

Beyond government cooperation, ties between the two nations continue to deepen through tourism and cultural exchange. Nearly 900,000 Filipino visitors traveled to Japan last year, reflecting what the envoy described as “the warmth and curiosity that strengthen our hearts.”

Endo also welcomed the Philippines’ planned participation in Green Expo 2027 in Yokohama, saying, “I look forward to the Philippines showcasing biodiversity, sustainable agricultural practices, and its natural beauty there.”

In a virtual message, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro echoed the spirit of the celebration, noting that milestones in Japan-Philippines relations are not mere historical markers but living proof of a partnership strengthened by decades of cooperation in trade, security, and regional stability.

She said Japan’s support in moments of crisis demonstrates the “true depth of character” in the relationship. As the Philippines serves as ASEAN chair this year, Lazaro added that Japan remains a steadfast partner supporting ASEAN centrality and contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

The evening itself reflected the cultural warmth of the relationship. Guests enjoyed seafood, strawberries, sushi, and sake “straight from the heart of Japan,” alongside cultural performances that brought Japanese traditions to Manila.