Makati city: Japan and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have initiated a three-year program aimed at bolstering maternal and child health services in the remote regions of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, collectively known as BaSulTa. This initiative, titled Resilient and Equitable Access to Care and Health (REACH)-BaSulTa, was formally signed and exchanged by Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya and IOM Philippines Chief of Mission Tristan Burnett in a ceremony held in Makati City.
According to Philippines News Agency, the program, set to be implemented by IOM from 2025 to 2028, is expected to benefit over 410,000 individuals, with a focus on internally displaced persons in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Ambassador Endo emphasized the importance of this project in addressing the urgent health needs of vulnerable populations within the region, highlighting Japan's ongoing commitment to supporting BARMM.
The IOM has identified systemic challenges in Bangsamoro, such as inadequate human resources for health and a lack of functional facilities, which are exacerbated by security and geographical barriers. The REACH-BaSulTa program aims to address these issues by improving health services, workforce capacity, and community awareness. Efforts will include training health workers, developing health facilities, and promoting integrated health activities, alongside community mapping for PhilHealth enrollment.
Tristan Burnett noted that IOM would offer technical expertise and support to complement the efforts of local health authorities. The program aligns with the Universal Health Care agenda, reflecting a shared vision for equitable and resilient health care systems.
BARMM Minister of Health Kadil Sinolinding Jr. expressed his commitment to supporting and replicating the initiative in other areas of Bangsamoro. He reiterated the dedication to strengthening health systems to ensure accessible services for all communities.
The signing ceremony was attended by key figures, including Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Department of Health Director Joel Buenaventura, and Japan International Cooperation Agency Chief Representative to the Philippines Baba Takashi.
