President Marcos has extended his well-wishes to the outgoing Asian Development Bank (ADB) president Asakawa Masatsugu for fostering the relationship between the Philippines and the ADB during his tenure.

Marcos said this as Asakawa paid his farewell call to the President in Malacañan on Thursday morning, Jan. 23.

In his remarks, the President said he was sad to see Asakawa leave his post but thanked him for ADB's assistance to the country.

"That’s why we say that it’s always too sad. But we are very happy that we can look back on your time here," he said.

"[It was] very, very important and productive, literally constructive," he added.

According to the President, the ADB has consistently been at the forefront of all foreign-assisted projects in the country. He also expressed his intent to further strengthen the partnership.

“I have to always thank you for the involvement of ADB. The partnership of ADB and the Philippines has certainly grown to a great deal,” President Marcos said.

“Of particular note, it was the support of ADB during the pandemic. That was critical. That was absolutely critical for our recovery. Without your help it would have been a much more difficult situation for us,” he added.

To honor ADB’s relentless support and service,  President Marcos conferred on Asakawa the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu (Grand Cross) Gold Distinction.

The award was given in recognition of his significant efforts to deepen the partnership and overall relations between the Philippines and ADB.

It also highlights his exceptional leadership in guiding the ADB to remain responsive to the needs and aspirations of the Filipino people, particularly in areas such as economic development, health, infrastructure investment, climate resilience, and human capital development.

Asakawa had expressed his intention to step down from his post in February 2025.

In September last year, Marcos thanked Asakawa for ADB's response to the country's needs.

"I am very confident that the good work that you have started in your time that you have been here, that we will be able to continue on the basis of the foundations that you have laid in the time that you have spent here in the Philippines," he said.

"We thank you for all of the help that you have brought to the Philippines, all the support that through you ADB has given to the Philippines in many, many ways. And we wish you the best in all your future endeavors," he added.

Last year, Asakawa said the ADB would particularly accelerate connections with the Philippines regarding infrastructure projects and climate actions, enhancing President Marcos’ vision for a more competitive and resilient Philippines.

He added that the ADB will help the Philippines accelerate its climate action through the $10-billion climate finance over the next six years and will continue to deliver world-class infrastructure projects that drive growth and competitiveness.

The ADB was established in 1966 with 68 members, including the Philippines.