This January’s launch of the REACH-BASULTA project by Japan and the International Organization for Migration carried special meaning for me. As a native of Basilan, I experienced those health challenges firsthand as a young child, when geography and years of unrest often placed quality care beyond the reach of many families, especially women and children. Today, however, I can also say with gratitude that things have greatly improved over the years, and initiatives like this promise to take that progress even further. 

REACH-BASULTA is a three-year partnership focused on improving Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health (MNCH) outcomes in Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. Anchored in the Universal Health Care agenda, the project will strengthen health facilities, boost frontline health worker capacity, expand community awareness, and ensure that internally displaced and mobile families are not left behind.

The formal launch and ceremonial signing of notes took place on 22 January 2026 in Makati City, bringing together key personalities from government and international partners. Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya and Tristan Burnett, IOM Philippines Chief of Mission, signed on behalf of their organizations. They were joined by Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Department of Foreign Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary Maria Roseny Fangco, BARMM Ministry of Health Minister Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr., Department of Health OIC-Director IV Joel Buenaventura, and Baba Takashi, Chief Representative of JICA Philippines.

In his remarks, Ambassador Endo described the project as “a commitment to building a sustainable and resilient health system that prioritizes the well-being of all individuals,” emphasizing Japan’s dedication to ensuring mothers and children have dependable access to care.

What makes REACH-BASULTA especially hopeful for me is not just international backing from Japan, JICA, and IOM, but the leadership on the ground. As a Basilan resident, I have high hopes in the capability and integrity of our local chief executives, many of whom I believe are among the best in the country.  

As an island province, Basilan has long faced the challenge of distance. I have seen how difficult it can be for critically ill or injured patients to reach a fully equipped hospital in Zamboanga. Yet today, health services are no longer as sparse as they once were. Basilan is now served by a growing network of rural health units and maternity care providers, including facilities such as the Akbar RHU, Lamitan City Health Office Birthing Facility, Sumisip RHU, and Tuburan RHU, all accredited to provide maternity services. 

The province is also home to the Basilan Medical Center in Isabela City, a public hospital upgraded to a Level III facility with expanded capacity. In recent years, the Ministry of Health-BARMM has deployed 120 additional health professionals—nurses, midwives, pharmacists, and medical technologists—to strengthen service delivery in geographically isolated areas.

I have witnessed how far Basilan has come. Our local leaders today are more proactive and more open to partnerships than ever before, and that is why I genuinely believe projects like REACH-BASULTA can be implemented properly and sustained over time.