The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Philippines assured the Pasig City local government of its commitment to aid the city in its development by bringing the "best of Japan" in several community-building projects.
A delegation composed of JICA Chief Representative Sakamoto Takema, Minister Nakata Masahiro of the Embassy of Japan, and Deputy Resident Representative Edwine Carrie of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), paid a courtesy call on Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto and Rep. Roman Romulo on Thursday, July 14.
According to a statement released by JICA Philippines, Sakamoto “conveyed JICA’s enthusiasm and commitment to opportunities for collaboration in building inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable communities.”
The agency hopes to “bring the best of Japan to cities like Pasig for local impact,” the statement read.
The local government and JICA discussed their development projects, particularly JICA’s involvement in the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project.
The agency continues to lend its expertise in developing flood control structures and systems to prevent and protect communities residing near the Pasig River.
Pasig City also makes use of JICA research and initiatives in terms of climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction and management.
JICA Philippines and Pasig City also facilitate people-to-people exchanges -- from providing JICA scholarship grants to deploying JICA volunteers to the city.
JICA said Pinky Villadolid, a Pasig local government employee, is studying for a Masters of Engineering degree at the University of Tokyo under a JICA scholarship.
Another example cited was Mitagawa Yoshimi, a JICA volunteer, who is working as a cooking teacher at the Rizal Experimental Station and Pilot School of Cottage Industries.
These exchanges help in sharing and spreading knowledge, serve as a bridge between Japan and the Philippines, and most importantly, establish grassroots relationships that will enhance mutual understanding and friendship.
The agency also aids Pasig City in crafting traffic management plans that will facilitate growth and productivity in the city.