GRIPS conducted a three-day capacity development program, the Bangsamoro Comprehensive Capacity Development Project, from June 19 to 21, 2014.

The program was held at the request of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). GRIPS welcomed a delegation from the Bangsamoro region in the Philippines. The seven members of the delegation included the peace negotiation team of the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) and members of the BTC (Bangsamoro Transition Commission) appointed by the Philippine government to formulate the Bangsamoro Basic Law and coordinate socio-economic development in the Bangsamoro area.

This training program was offered for the participants to learn from the Japanese experience establishing laws and designing a human-resource management system and a government structure.

The participants learned about public administration, parliamentary cabinet system, local autonomy law, public offices election law, and laws relating to local public finance in Japan at lectures by Vice President Yokomichi and Professor Takada. They also visited the Saitama Prefectural Government to learn about the functions of a local government, after which they toured the prefectural assembly hall.

In every lecture, participants were very enthusiastic about studying, resulting in productive question-and-answer sessions and discussions.

On the final day of the program, the summary session was chaired by Vice President Yokomichi, Professor Takada, and Professor Matsunaga, marking the conclusion of a successful program.