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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH discussion with JICA to bring in more infra projects

PH discussion with JICA to bring in more infra projects

Published Aug 27, 2025 07:57 pm
The discussions between the Philippines and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) parliamentarians on Wednesday, Aug. 27, will lead to more opportunities that will change the infrastructure landscape of the Philippines, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon said.

Officials of the Philippine government and JICA Parliamentary League members hold talks at Hotel Okura in Pasay City on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025. (Raymund Antonio/MANILA BULLETIN)
Officials of the Philippine government and JICA Parliamentary League members hold talks at Hotel Okura in Pasay City on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025. (Raymund Antonio/MANILA BULLETIN)
“And I have been witness to the enormous and substantial partnership of the government of Japan and the government of the Philippines, specifically through JICA, that will, in the next few years, really change our infrastructure landscape of the Philippines,” he said in a meeting held in Pasay City.

As president of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) that built the New Clark City in Pampanga, the official said he has seen “the life-changing effects” of the assistance of the Japanese government and of JICA to the Philippines’ infrastructure development program.

“The projects that you have supported and continue to support will change the lives of Filipinos for generations to come,” he said.

Dizon pointed out several big-ticket infrastructure projects such as the North-South Commuter Railway, the Metro Manila Subway, and the various assistance to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

“Many other projects across multiple agencies of our government will really spell the difference between a very difficult life that our Filipinos have to go through every day at present, to a better life in the future,” he added.

Obuchi Yuko, chairperson of the Parliamentary Group of JICA and member of the House of Representatives, expressed Japan’s support for the progress of the Philippines. She recognized the Philippines as Japan's important strategic partner, guided by shared values and principles as the international community faces a major turning point.

“We have a comprehensive understanding of the ongoing project here, and as a parliamentarian league, we aim to support smooth progress in the operation of each project in the Philippines. We all look forward to having a fruitful and productive exchange today with all of you,” she said.

“I believe the international community faces a historical turning point for the Philippines as a country that shares values and principles with Japan. It's becoming more and more important to Japan,” the official added.

Dizon vowed continuous cooperation with JICA and other Japanese agencies to “make these projects faster” and “to make sure that these projects are completed quickly and are completed with the utmost quality that Japan is very well known for.”

Aside from Obuchi, the JICA Parliamentary League was represented by Chief Secretary Nakatani Shinichi, Acting Chief Secretary Suzuki Takako, Manager and Member of the House of Councilors Ejima Kiyoshi, Advisor Takeuchi Yuzuru, Deputy Chairperson Kaneko Emi, Member of the House of Representatives Sakurai Shu, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya, and JICA Philippines Chief Representative Baba Takashi.

The Philippine delegation also included Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Senior Undersecretary Emil Kiram Sadain, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Undersecretary Rolando Toledo, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, and Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Undersecretary Joseph Capuno.

They met with the JICA Parliamentary League for a detailed discussion on Official Development Assistance (ODA)-related matters and had exchanged views on project developments.

During their meeting, members of the JICA Parliamentary League underscored the Philippines as an important strategic partner to Japan. They highlighted the close cooperative relationship in various fields and Japan's longstanding cooperation through ODA, which has contributed to the Philippines' socio-economic development and resilience.

In response, Dizon and other Philippine government officials thanked Japan for its extensive cooperation, noting that these ODA projects in the country contribute to improving Filipinos' lives and promoting regional stability.

Related Tags

Vince Dizon DOTr JICA Obuchi Yuko
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