PASAY CITY — The United States, South Korea, and Japan have inaugurated a PHP1.6 billion partnership aimed at enhancing healthcare in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The collaboration, involving the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), will focus on improving health information systems, increasing public health financing, and upgrading healthcare facilities over the next six years.
According to Philippines News Agency, the partnership was officially launched with a memorandum of cooperation signing in Pasay City on Friday. This agreement sets the groundwork for the initiative, which is slated to continue until 2030. US Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson, highlighted the comprehensive nature of the new partnership, stating, “This new partnership with Korea and Japan, the first in the Asia-Pacific region, will build on our country’s deep historic ties to address our world’s complex challenges in an innovative and collaborative way and in a strategic sense.”
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines, Endo Kazuya, expressed hope that the initiative would bolster a more resilient regional healthcare system accessible to vulnerable groups. JICA’s role will focus on enhancing maternal and newborn health services, improving nutrition, and promoting PhilHealth enrollment for facility-based deliveries. Ambassador Endo emphasized Japan’s commitment to peace and human security within the BARMM as fundamental to these efforts.
KOICA Vice President Kim Dong Ho outlined Korea’s commitment to enhancing health security and digital health capabilities in the region. “Korea’s experience rising from the ashes of war to prosperity drives our commitment to supporting peace and development,” Kim stated, noting a significant increase in Korea’s official development assistance and KOICA’s budget for the upcoming year.
USAID plans to strengthen health systems and improve the delivery of family planning, adolescent reproductive health, and tuberculosis programs. The agency will also focus on enhancing preparedness and response to emerging health threats. DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa explained that this collaboration underscores a joint commitment towards universal health care and sustainable health development goals, including improved healthcare service delivery and financing.
BARMM Health Minister Kadil Sinolinding Jr. conveyed the regional commitment to ensuring that the investments translate into tangible health improvements for the community. The partnership also extends to training and support for local governments and communities, aiming to expand health outreach to include indigenous populations.