Makati City, January 12, 2026 — The Ministry of Health of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and Tokushukai Medical Group, through Shonan Kamakura General Hospital, formally signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a framework for mutual cooperation aimed at improving healthcare services in BARMM. The partnership focuses on human resource development, medical capacity building, and technical cooperation. InfiniVAN Inc., a Japanese-affiliated telecommunications company, supported the coordination between the parties, enabling collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Representing the Ministry of Health BARMM were:
- Dr. Abdulhalik M. Kasim, Deputy General, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
- Atty. Jeihan Jein M. Gulo, Chief, Legal Division, BARMM.
- Ms. Anisa A. Matuan, Chief, Planning Division, BARMM.
From Tokushukai Medical Group and Shonan Kamakura General Hospital, the signatories and representatives included:
- Dr. Shuzo Kobayashi, President and CEO, Shonan Kamakura General Hospital, and Executive Managing Director, Tokushukai Medical Group
- Ms. Megumi Ohashi, Chief Strategic Officer, Shonan Kamakura General Hospital
- Mr. Kiyoshi Wakamiya
The signing was graced by the presence of Mr. Kenji Shuto, Vice Governor of Kanagawa Prefecture, underscoring the strong support from the Japanese local government. Under the non-binding MoU, both parties agreed to collaborate on the training and capacity building of healthcare professionals, the exchange of medical knowledge, expertise, and best practices, advisory support on hospital management and clinical systems, as well as academic and educational collaborations. This partnership marks a significant step toward strengthening healthcare delivery and institutional capacity in the Bangsamoro region through international cooperation.
