Two new Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs)were signed on Wednesday 23rd July 2025, by the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) and the Japan’s Overseas Fishery Cooperation Foundation (OFCF). This was a significant milestone for Papua New Guinea’s fisheries sector as the MOUs valued at more than K2.5 million and the agreements marked a continued strengthening of a partnership that has spanned nearly two decades. The signing ceremony, held at OFCF headquarters in Tokyo, was led by NFA Managing Director Mr. Justin Ilakini and OFCF President Mr. Shirasu Toshiro. The newly signed MOUs encompass the provision of essential goods and services and include a broader Fisheries Development Assistance for Pacific Island Nations (FDA PIN) agreement. This framework aims to support the sustainable development of fisheries across the Pacific region. In his official remarks, Mr. Ilakini expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan and paid special tribute to the OFCF for its steadfast support of Papua New Guinea’s fisheries development since 2006. “Our partnership with OFCF has delivered tangible outcomes through a wide array of programs and projects valued at over USD 6.5 million since 2008.” “These include the FDA PIN, trap net initiatives, technical advisory services, value-adding activities, and grants for goods and services that have directly benefited our coastal and offshore fisheries,” Mr. Ilakini said. He reaffirmed NFA’s commitment to these initiatives, highlighting ongoing support from the Government of Papua New Guinea as outlined in the project agreements. Underscoring the strength of the partnership, Mr. Ilakini pointed to the continued secondment of OFCF expert Mr. Igarashi Makoto to the NFA. Mr. Igarashi is currently serving as Fisheries Advisor to PNG through NFA assisting NFA on Japanese Government funded Programs and Projects implemented in PNG through NFA." During the meeting, Mr. Ilakini also encouraged OFCF to align its support with NFA’s strategic policy priorities, particularly the National Tuna Development Strategy. He stressed the importance of addressing gaps along the fisheries value chain, building institutional and human capacity, and promoting value-adding initiatives that can boost economic returns for local communities. “These new agreements not only reaffirm the trust and cooperation between our two institutions, but also lay a strong foundation for innovative, policy-driven support aligned with our vision for a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive fisheries sector.” The OFCF is a Japanese government-affiliated institution mandated to provide technical and grant assistance in fisheries cooperation, particularly to countries that maintain bilateral offshore fisheries access agreements with Japan.

80 years after World War II was fought on the soil of Papua New Guinea, today we as the people of this great nation stand together as one to pay homage and respect to the Soldiers who treaded the rugged mountains of the Kokoda terrain with the help and guidance of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels. The fallen unsung heroes, our forefathers who were never at war, who never started the war, who were never enemies to the Aussies nor the Japanese but who were caught in between the war that was brought to their land. We remember the steps they took not because of fear but mostly because of the giant of a heart they had to help the wounded soldiers. Today Papua New Guinea stands as one to show respect to the heroes who have all laid down in silence, we celebrate 44 years of Remembrance Day. Many business houses, government office, private sectors, schools and some public facilities in the country closed today to show respect to these War heroes. The streets of Port Moresby were very quiet and peaceful, with most people spending time with families at home whilst other headed down to the Remembrance Park at Ela Beach this morning to witness and join in the Remembrance Day Ceremony. PNG HAUSBUNG took to the mostly quiet streets of Port Moresby and asked the public what Remembrance Day means to them. Many expressed gratitude towards our Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels who sacrificed their lives during the World War II, many confessed that PNG owes its freedom to the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels and the Australian soldiers. Others stated that today is the day where we honour and remember the courage, sacrifice and the service of all who served during the war. Today we not only remember the fallen heroes, but we also thank their families and send them well wishes for the courage of their fathers. Lest we Forget.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the significant redevelopment of the Papua New Guinea National Fisheries College (NFC) in Kavieng is set to take place, following Prime Minister James Marape’s high-level meeting with Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President, Mr. Akihiko Tanaka, at Okura Hotel, Tokyo. National Fisheries Authority (NFA) Managing Director Mr. Justin Ilakini welcomed the development as a milestone in PNG’s partnership with the Government of Japan and JICA, marking a new chapter in strengthening capacity and sustainability in the fisheries sector. “The groundbreaking of this K92 million redevelopment of the National Fisheries College is a direct outcome of the enduring and successful partnership between the Government of Papua New Guinea and JICA. “It reflects JICA’s unwavering commitment to our human capital development and infrastructure priorities within the fisheries sector,” Mr. Ilakini said. Since 2006, the PNG fisheries sector has benefited immensely from Japanese development cooperation, receiving over USD 63.2 million in Official Development Assistance (ODA) across grants, infrastructure projects, technical training, and capacity building—support which continues to bolster PNG’s efforts to sustainably manage and develop its vital fisheries resources. “This partnership has been instrumental in our fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and in building a foundation for our tuna domestication agenda through the National Tuna Domestication Strategy 2025–2035,” Mr. Ilakini added. The college upgrade project—signed last month during a formal exchange of notes at the Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby—will deliver modern training and research facilities, enabling a new generation of Papua New Guineans to access world-class fisheries education and technical skills. In addition to the college redevelopment, Japan has pledged support for the procurement of a new fisheries research and training vessel, which will enhance surveillance capabilities in PNG’s maritime zones. “We extend our deepest gratitude to JICA and the people of Japan because their support aligns with our broader national strategy to localize investment in the tuna value chain, create jobs, boost food security, and expand onshore processing capacity,” Mr. Ilakini said. “The NFC redevelopment is more than just a building project—it is an investment in the future of Papua New Guinea’s fisheries sector and a cornerstone of our long-term economic transformation in reaching the K200 billion economic vision by 2030 envisaged by the Marape - Rosso government.”

The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) of Papua New Guinea has today marked another milestone in its long-standing partnership with Japan by signing a Consultant Agreement with Japan’s Fisheries Engineering Co., Ltd at the Okura Hotel in Tokyo. NFA Managing Director, Mr. Justin Ilakini, and his NFA team was joined by officials from the Department of National Planning and the Department of Foreign Affairs, who witnessed the signing that underscores the strong bilateral cooperation between Papua New Guinea and Japan, particularly in the fisheries sector, which remains a critical pillar of PNG’s economic development and food security. Mr. Ilakini expressed profound gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for their ongoing commitment and support. “I would like to say thank you to the Government and people of Japan for gifting us this very important project.” “Fifty years from now, this moment will still be remembered as a significant turning point for the fisheries sector and the people of Papua New Guinea,” said Mr. Ilakini. He emphasized that, in alignment with Prime Minister James Marape’s message to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba earlier this week, Japan remains a true and enduring partner to PNG. “It has been my greatest privilege and honour to be part of this historic event and to sign this agreement, which reaffirms our partnership and commitment to sustainable fisheries development,” he added. The Consultant Agreement paves the way for the implementation of a transformative fisheries project in Kavieng, New Ireland Province. Demolition works are scheduled to be completed by the end of August 2025, allowing the official groundbreaking ceremony to take place in September and full construction is set to begin in November. The total project value is K111 million, with K92 million funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and K20 million committed by the Papua New Guinea Government through the NFA. President of Fisheries Engineering Co., Ltd, Mr. Uchida Akira, thanked the NFA for its collaboration and assured all parties that preparatory works were on schedule. “We are fully committed to ensuring all documentation and groundwork is completed by August to allow the groundbreaking event in September.” “We look forward to delivering a world-class facility for the people of Papua New Guinea,” Mr. Akira said. This project aligns with PNG’s National Tuna Domestication Policy and focuses on enhancing capacity in coastal fisheries, post-harvest processing, commercial fishing, and sustainable marine resource management. Over the past 12 months, Prime Minister Marape has strengthened PNG’s global partnerships, deepening economic and development cooperation with nations including China, Australia, the United States, India, Indonesia, New Zealand, and especially Japan. His diplomatic outreach, anchored by the principle of “friends to all, enemies to none,” has positioned PNG as a responsible and visionary regional leader. As Papua New Guinea celebrates 50 years of independence, the country is forging its most robust network of international partnerships to date. The next challenge is to ensure these relationships translate into tangible opportunities for the people — through jobs, infrastructure, and sustainable growth.

The destruction and the act of Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV) happened back in year 2023 following the death of a man believed to be linked to sorcery. The incident occurred on the morning of September 2nd, 2023, when a mob entered the home of an elderly man at 6:00 a.m., allegedly dragged him out, tortured him, causing his children to flee, they burned several houses belonging to his family, and destroyed livestock and food gardens. The victim was later rescued by locals and taken to Mingendi Rural Hospital in Kerowagi, where he remained admitted for three months. The PNG Tribal Foundation assisted the survivor by covering his hospital bills, assisting police logistics including fuel and paperwork, and supporting the progression of the case throughout the years. Later on, a total of eight suspects were arrested and charged with willful murder and arson in relation to the incident. PNG Tribal Foundation President, GT Bustin stated that the case is one of the many ongoing sorcery accusation-related violence (SARV) cases the Foundation has been supporting. “This is about ensuring justice is served to those who continue to accuse innocent people and destroy lives and property,” Bustin said. The suspect, who had already been arrested and charged, failed to appear in court for several months and was in hiding until a bench warrant was issued by the National Court last week, leading to his re-arrest by police recently. He is currently in police custody and is expected to appear in court soon. “Tribal Foundation had to fund the re-arrest of several perpetrators who have been let out on bail, including some who were involved in murder on various incidents and should not have been let out on bail in different cases,” Mr. Bustin said. According to the Foundation’s records, three of the suspects are remanded in Barawagi Prison, while five are out on bail and attending court hearings. The survivor is currently living with his three children, aged 10, 12, and 27 in Kerowagi, Simbu Province, all thanks to PNG Tribal Foundation.

A minor earthquake occurred early this morning around 2:41AM about 100km from Lae city in the Morobe Province. The Port Moresby Geophysical Observatory confirmed with PNG HAUSBUNG that the earthquake occurred and was recorded as 5.6 magnitude and not 5.8magnitude. The depth of the earthquake was 101km at the Lat - 5.81 degrees South and Lon - 146.65 degrees East, thus the earthquake is placed beneath the Finisterre Ranges. The Geophysical Observatory also added that the because the earthquake occurred at that depth, it is considered a moderate size event thus no damage is expected. The Observatory also highlighted that the 5.6 magnitude earthquake is below the reporting threshold for PMGO to issue Earthquake Information Bulletin to the public and the NDC. Therefore, with facts highlighted, no threats can be associated with the earthquake.

Forty (40) final-year accounting students from the Institute of Business Studies University were challenged to be better citizens and to support the country’s development and growth in the next 50 years as the future generation of the country. Mrs. Phillie Marai, National Coordinator of Senisim PNG under the Tribal Foundation, spoke to the students at the Institute of Business Studies (IBS) University recently, highlighting that change starts within oneself who then can change Papua New Guinea (PNG). Marai added that after the country turns 50 in September, how will the citizens and the younger generation contribute moving forward into another 50 years. “There is a lot of moral decay in schools, our youths on the streets, in the communities, and in schools.” “There is a lack of values and poor leadership from the people right up to the top level in the country, we don’t see respect amongst ourselves and accepting us to run the program on foot values and servant leaders of Maxwell Foundation is a mission—we want to save our young people who will be the future generation,” Mrs. Marai said. Agnes Andrias, Port Moresby Senisim Pasin Coordinator, told the students that they’re the leaders of their own. Ms. Andrias spoke of the benefit of completing the 11 weeks of the program with certification. It builds their curriculum vitae (CV) as facilities on Senisim PNG, adding value to employers’ recruitment. Dr Muthuprabha, Institute of Business Studies University, Head of Students Affairs Council, said the school ran the program last year and this will be the second batch with the accounting students.

Sixteen secondary and Junior High schools in the National Capital District (NCD) are set to implement the Senisim Pasin Program. This initiative follows a meeting between the sixteen secondary principals and junior high school headmasters and the PNG Tribal Foundation where the program was introduced. The Senisim Pasin program is based on good values and servant leadership in partnership with Maxwell Leadership Foundation through roundtable sessions amongst students in schools. Allan Jim, Education Department’s First Secretary of the Guidance and Counselling Division, Highlands and New Guinea Islands, who brought together the teachers, stated that it is important to start educating the younger generation to have a positive mindset. He said that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with Tribal Foundation earlier this year, and a circular from Education Secretary, Dr Uke Kombra who instructed all schools to take on board the Senisim PNG Program that will run in all schools throughout the country this year. “A teacher can prepare the best lesson in the morning, but if a student’s mind is not in the classroom, then he cannot concentrate in class.” “If a child is carrying an illegal item or a weapon in his school bag going to school, how can we teach them discipline, teach them good values, or how can we change their behaviours?” “It starts with individuals and us teachers when they enter our schools.” Meanwhile, Senisim Pasin National Coordinator for Education, Manasseh Davey, said the change starts within individuals. Every student must take ownership of the program, which will change their lives. “We have seen positive results from schools we’ve gone through. They are disciplined and practicing the values of respect, humility, integrity, adding value, responsibility, purpose, among others.” “These values are there, but we don’t daily practice them or act on them as individuals.” In addition, De La Salle Secondary School Principal, Ms. Annette Ingrid said their school started the program last week, with their Grade 10s and 12s as their first batch. Despite a hectic schedule in preparation for the national examinations, they have scheduled students’ timetables to allow the sessions with the Senisim Pasin team for an hour every Wednesday afternoon. Many principals and head teachers have shown interest and are willing to have more dialogue with Tribal Foundation within their schools in the coming weeks. Marianville Catholic Secondary School Principal, Sr Freda Saura said they’ve seen a big shift in how girls are managing their social problems inside the school and personal issues before facing her office. Maturity is being shown with respect and responsibility because of the Senisim Pasin Program.

Over the last four years local civil society organization, The Voice Inc (TVI) has been strategically engaging with government and community organizations, civil societies and its network of leaders, building coalitions to progress policy and reform on some of Papua New Guineas most critical issues such as sorcery Accusation Related Violence, Youth Opportunities and Early Childhood Learning. Key to its efforts is the Problem Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA) Course facilitated by the Havard Kennedy School of Government and offered through TVI’s Local Leadership and Collective Action Program (LLCAP). The PDIA course is a challenging 12-week program which helps teams break down problems into root causes, identify entry points and act. The program has been delivered with governments and reformers around the world including LLCAP leaders in PNG since 2022. Through the PDIA, TVI has been able to engage with 112 local leaders who are community advocators, organizational executives, public servants and government secretaries among others. Speaking on behalf of TVI, Executive Director Maliwai Sasingian, shared that the organization has seen tangible results from engaging with the 3 Cohorts that have gone through this course. These engagements have led to key partnerships and strategic interventions that LLCAP actively supports. “Through the PDIA process, we have been able to mobilize and support key coalition actions such as our work to strengthen referral pathways and access to justice for survivors of SARV with key stakeholders on the frontline of addressing the issue in Kundiawa, Simbu Province.” “Through our continued engagement with this important coalition and learnings from the PDIA, TVI in partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Kundiawa, established a free SARV Legal Help Desk in 2023 with a fulltime lawyer to assist partners in progressing their SARV cases.” “This is among many examples of the utilization of key concepts within the PDIA course.” Meanwhile, Communications and Marketing Manager, Mr. Dagia Aka, also added that the PDIA Course is a 12-week intensive course, with a face-to-face session to kick off with Professor Matt ANDREWS in Port Moresby and then a 12 week of course with a self paced module to complete on canvas (The Havard motivated online learning system). It will be at least six weeks of taking action on team issues and then two online sessions, roughly halfway and at the end of the course as well as support from a TVI coach. In addition, other key partnerships to date that have come to fruition through the PDIA process include Memorandum of Understandings (MOAs) and Joint Workplans with the Department for Community Development & Religion (DFCDR) and the National Youth Development Authority (NYDA). TVI is pleased to announce the fourth iteration of the program and that the applications have opened on Friday the 11th of July and further information can be accessed by going to https://www.thevoicepng.org/pdia-cohort-4-application

Bank South Pacific Financial Group Limited (BSP) and the Institute of Business Studies University (IBSU) have signed an agreement for capability building, collaboration and to support the development of a future-ready workforce for Bank South Pacific (BSP) and Papua New Guinea (PNG). The MOU marks the beginning of a strategic partnership focused on building talent, enhancing capability, and aligning academic outcomes with real-world business needs. As the country’s largest bank and the leading financial institution across the South Pacific, BSP Group Executive – People & Culture, Jonathan Harvey said BSP is committed to investing in its people and the next generation of leaders. “Today is more than a ceremonial moment, it represents a shared commitment between academia and industry to build a stronger, more capable workforce for BSP and Papua New Guinea.” The partnership will focus on three key areas: Internship training and student placement opportunities at BSP for IBSU students to gain hands-on experience in a professional environment, capability-building sessions delivered by BSP staff at IBSU to bridge the gap between academic theory and industry practice and collaboration on curriculum development. "This is not just a student-focused partnership—it is also a capability-building initiative for our staff.” “It is the first of its kind for BSP, opening opportunities for our people to grow as trainers, mentors, and contributors to knowledge and skill building in BSP’s and PNG’s future leaders.” “By combining the strengths of industry and education, we can equip our young people with the mindset, skills, and experience they need to contribute meaningfully to their communities and to the growth of our nation,” Mr Harvey added. IBSU Vice Chancellor, Ramachandran Arunachalam said this partnership highlights the mutual commitment to advancing educational excellence and developing innovation. “Through this partnership, we expect opportunities for our students to gain practical exposure to the financial sector and enhance their employability.” “This milestone represents a strategic alignment of values and vision between academia and industry, and we are confident that this collaboration will create meaningful pathways for improvement, skill development, and real-world engagement.” BSP acknowledged the leadership of IBSU for their shared vision and expressed commitment to a long-term, impactful partnership that supports national development and prosperity across PNG and the Pacific.

The PNG Tribal Foundation, a humanitarian organization, who has been in the forefront of addressing Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV) and other forms of violence is continuing in this journey spreading light in the remotest areas of the country, especially in the Highlands Region. With little access to government services, PNG Tribal Foundation still provides daily support to survivors and victims of SARV. Last month alone up to date now, Tribal Foundation shows in its report that it has repatriated 27 people to safer areas and fed more than 100 displaced and affected locals. PNG Tribal Foundation President GT Bustin confirmed that 15 locals who received threats from the relatives of SARV perpetrators in Banz, Jiwaka, were assisted to a safer place. The treaths were issued following referrals of four suspects to the National Court whereby one was arrested, thus which triggering retaliation from the suspects’ relatives last year, which has led to the SARV threats this year. Mean while 12 victims from Kerowagi District, Simbu Province, were also assisted and rescued after receiving threats from relatives of the suspected perpetrators who were arrested last week. The nature of the situation aroused following a death of a prominent local man back in year 2023 in Kombumogo village. “We also fed over 100 locals whom we look after affected by sorcery in their own communities through food rations we supply monthly, this work is carried out by our volunteers and human rights defenders on the ground,” Mr Bustin said. Mr Bustin highlighted that over K10,000 was spent within three weeks to provide daily support for victims, thus this included assisting police operations with fuel and paperwork, collecting eyewitness statements, medical reports, covering PMV fares, and securing accommodation to ensure victims were safely sheltered and fed. Mr Bustin also added that a woman allegedly committed suicide in Ona village, Kerowagi District, Simbu province after being accused of sorcery and Tribal Foundation assisted CID police by paying K500 in postmortem fees to help commence investigations into her death. Another suspect was allegedly removed from police cells by a policeman two weeks ago which Tribal is pushing for further police action. “We are calling on the government to step up and do more to help us with arrests and successful prosecution of perpetrators, as well as rescue and protection of victims throughout the country,” Mr. Bustin said. “Tribal Foundation needs help, we are an NGO, and we are doing the government’s job with very little support.” He added that the Foundation works closely with police, court officials, community leaders, churches, and safe houses in remote areas across the provinces. Mr. Bustin also confirmed that a SARV victim in Ihu LLG received support from the Tribal and will be filing a formal complaint with police in Kerema this week following an incident that occurred back in February. “We must hold SARV perpetrators accountable before anything will change.” The PNG Tribal Foundation is currently caring for more than 600 SARV and gender-based violence victims across the country, with the highest numbers in the Highlands region.

Six youth from the ATS settlement have been certified as qualified table facilitators under the Maxwell Leadership Foundation, following the successful completion of the Senisim PNG Program in their communities outside 8 Mile. Senisim PNG Port Moresby Coordinator, Agnes Andrias, said most of the participants, aged between 20 and 26, are out from normal education system and had been in the community until they joined the transformation table sessions in March. “The program saw young men become optimistic about their lives, stepping away from negative social activities and instead teaching good values to their peer groups,” Ms. Andrias said. “They completed the 11 core values using the booklets we provided, and now they are qualified to go out, form groups in their communities, and run the program changing the lives of others. “These youths are bringing change not just for themselves, but for others around them.” One of the newly certified facilitators, Shaun Goddy from Eastern Highlands, said the program has transformed his life. “I used to follow youths around the Erima settlement, committing petty crimes, but since I took part in the table sessions, I’ve learned about myself and about choosing good over criminal activities.” Shaun added that he anticipates the same for all the youths to be part of this program and change. The certified facilitators have been encouraged to return to ATS and continue the mission of Senisim PNG by promoting good values and servant leadership in their communities’ principles rooted in the Maxwell Leadership Foundation.