Following more than 50 years of conflict in Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago, the Bangsamoro Transitional Authority (BTA) was established in 2019 to prepare for the launch of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Government in September 2026. Japan has supported the BTA through technical cooperation to strengthen its institutional and human resource capacity, with the project concluding in March 2026.

At the request of the Office of the Chief Minister, Yamaguchi University, in cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Centre (JICE), welcomed a delegation of 23 officials from the BTA for a 5S Strategy Benchmarking Programme from 5 to 11 July.

The 5S approach—Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardise, and Sustain—originated in Japan as a management method to improve workplace efficiency, safety and organisational performance. The delegation visited Japan to learn how 5S principles are applied in the public sector.

After visiting JICE headquarters in Tokyo, the delegation toured the Cabinet Bureau of Personnel Affairs, where they learned about workplace reform initiatives for national civil servants and observed examples of improved office environments.

The delegation then visited public organisations in Ube, Yamaguchi and Hagi to explore 5S practices in local government. The programme included visits to public transport and wastewater treatment facilities in Ube, Yamaguchi City Hall and environmental facilities in Yamaguchi, and Hagi Museum, where participants learned about the preservation of local cultural heritage through collaboration between the city and local NGOs.

At Yamaguchi University, the delegation exchanged views with international students from the Philippines, Bangladesh and Nepal. The programme concluded with the presentation of certificates by Professor Yoko Takematsu, Vice President for International Cooperation.