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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PBBM, JICA chief tackle infra, healthcare cooperation during Japan visit

PBBM, JICA chief tackle infra, healthcare cooperation during Japan visit

Published May 29, 2026 06:12 am

At A Glance

  • President Marcos met with JICA President Dr. Tanaka Akihiko in Tokyo to strengthen development cooperation.
  • The discussions covered infrastructure, healthcare, climate action, and Mindanao development projects.
  • Marcos welcomed JICA's continued support amid rising global oil prices and economic uncertainties.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. meets with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), led by JICA President Dr. Tanaka Akihiko, during his State Visit to Tokyo, Japan, on May 28, 2026. (Malacañang photo)
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. meets with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), led by JICA President Dr. Tanaka Akihiko, during his State Visit to Tokyo, Japan, on May 28, 2026. (Malacañang photo)

President Marcos has met with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President Dr. Tanaka Akihiko in Tokyo to strengthen one of the Philippines’ “most important development partnerships,” with discussions centering on infrastructure modernization, healthcare, climate resilience, and economic stability.

In a Facebook post during his State Visit to Japan, Marcos highlighted JICA’s role in supporting projects that improve connectivity and generate jobs for Filipinos.

“JICA continues to help power projects that create jobs, improve connectivity, and make everyday life better for Filipinos,” he said.

“We also welcomed JICA’s continued support as we work to protect our economy and our people from the impact of rising global oil prices and global uncertainties,” he added.

Infrastructure, disaster resilience

During the meeting at the Okura Hotel on Thursday, May 28, Marcos and Tanaka discussed ongoing and pipeline projects aimed at boosting connectivity, disaster resilience, human resource development, and economic growth.

The discussions included future cooperation on railway systems, road networks, bridges, and disaster risk management initiatives as the Philippines continues its infrastructure expansion efforts.

Both sides also tackled support programs meant to help the Philippines address the effects of rising oil prices and broader global economic uncertainties.

Healthcare, climate action

The Japanese government, through JICA, is targeting the signing of nine pipeline loans worth ¥292.10 billion, or around $1.84 billion, for Japanese Fiscal Year 2026.

Among the projects lined up are the Build Universal Health Care Program Subprogram 3 and the Climate Change Action Program Subprogram 3.

The initiatives are expected to provide additional support for the country’s healthcare system and climate resilience programs.

Aside from loans, JICA is also supporting 47 grants amounting to ¥45.17 billion, or about $288.93 million, as of December 2025.

Of these, 23 grants totaling ¥9.55 billion were signed under the current administration.

Coast Guard, Mindanao support

The meeting also reaffirmed JICA’s continued support for the Philippine Coast Guard, including assistance for patrol vessel acquisition, development of the PCG base in Subic, and capacity-building activities.

Marcos and Tanaka likewise discussed potential cooperation in Mindanao development and peace-building initiatives.

The Palace said the meeting highlighted the Marcos administration’s efforts to deepen cooperation with Japan in pursuit of “shared prosperity, sustainable development, and regional stability.”

Largest ODA partner

According to Malacañang, the meeting underscored the longstanding partnership between Manila and Tokyo through JICA, which remains the Philippines’ largest provider of Official Development Assistance (ODA).

Japan currently accounts for around $13.959 billion, or 33.54 percent, of the Philippines’ total ODA portfolio as of December 2025.

As of May 18, 2026, JICA was supporting 26 ongoing ODA loan projects in the Philippines, amounting to ¥1.94 trillion, or about $12.16 billion.

Of the total, 13 loans worth ¥932.01 billion were signed during the Marcos administration.

The Philippines has also completed 295 ODA loan projects with Japan, amounting to ¥2.66 trillion.

Related Tags

President Marcos Bongbong Marcos PH-Japan JICA Overseas Development Assistance
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