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The Philippine Star
January 18, 2026 | 12:00am
A team from the Embassy of Japan led by First Secretary and Agriculture Attaché Hidenori Akasaka (center) visited key sites of the Farm-to-School Meals Program in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao from Jan. 12 to 14.
STAR / File
Japan in BARMM
MANILA, Philippines — First Secretary and Agriculture Attaché of the Embassy of Japan, Hidenori Akasaka visited key sites of the Farm-to-School Meals Program in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) from Jan. 12 to 14.
The project is implemented by the World Food Program with support from the government of Japan.
During his visit, Akasaka paid a courtesy call on Minister Mohagher Iqbal of the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education to express Japan’s gratitude for the ministry’s support.
Iqbal, in turn, thanked Japan for its continued development initiatives in the region, highlighting the positive impact on local communities.
Akasaka then visited the Upi Organic Farming Agriculture Cooperative and the Masabar Producers Cooperative, two farmer associations that supply produce to school feeding programs under the initiative.
Photo shows students of Campo Cuatro Elementary School during the visit of the Japanese delegation.
By linking farmers directly to schools, the project provides a stable and reliable market, while also offering capacity-building support to improve skills, productivity and sustainable farming practices.
In his message to the farmers, Akasaka encouraged them to continue applying the knowledge gained through the program to enhance their livelihoods and contribute to the nutritional needs of schoolchildren.
The delegation also visited Campo Cuatro Elementary School in Datu Abdullah Sangki, where Akasaka met with students, teachers and local officials. Addressing the students, he emphasized the importance of well-balanced meals for health, growth and academic performance, while inspiring them to study diligently and pursue their dreams.
Through initiatives like the Farm-to-School Meals Program, Japan continues to strengthen its partnership with BARMM, fostering sustainable agriculture, community development and the well-being of the next generation.
