The Philippine top diplomat in Tokyo has cited the importance of Japanese businessmen in improving the services of the Philippine local government units (LGUs). In a business networking event, Philippine Ambassador to Tokyo Mylene Garcia-Albano acknowledged the critical role that Japanese businesses play in promoting economic development in the Philippine regions. She said that local government units are able to "improve their infrastructure, attract more businesses, and create more job opportunities, especially for the rural population," with proper support from Japanese investors. "This partnership shows how business networking can drive progress and create value for local economies and communities," she said. Garcia-Albano's recognition of Japanese businessmen was brought up as the Philippine Chamber of Commerce in Japan (PCCIJ) and the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo organized a business networking event for the delegates of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP). ULAP is an umbrella organization gathering the leagues representing Philippine LGUs. The envoy encouraged PCCIJ and ULAP to become bridges that promote engagements between Japanese business and LGUs in the Philippines. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), ULAP presented during the event the main industries of the provinces of Quirino, Apayao, Dinagat Islands, Isabela, Samar, Siquijor, Southern Leyte, Cavite, Occidental Mindoro, Sulu and Tacloban City. There were also company introductions, including a presentation by a metaverse company. The Philippines has been wooing Japanese investors to conduct more business in the country as President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. recognized their importance in promoting progress for the Philippines and Japan.