Regions

Under the new Japanese parliament, the country announced their support the Philippines' young Bangsamoro government. Through the Japan International Cooperation Agency, technology assistance will be provided by the government of Japan to the southern region of the Philippines.

According to JICA officials in a press conference today, the Japanese government will invest on technology that will benefit the people of Mindanao Island. This is in preparation for the 2016 elections, according to representatives.

Japan's technical assistance will cost over PHP300 million, equal to about US$7 million. The fund will be spent on medium to long term projects for Mindanao. The assistance will be considered as a grant.

"Peace and development in Mindanao is one of our key pillars for the Philippines," said Yusuke Mori, a representative for the Japan International Cooperation Agency. According to him, Japan's extension of their finances to the Philippines is in line with their mission of achieving peace and development.