Japan touts partnership with PH on infra development, disaster response

October 12 ------ The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines touted its infrastructure development and disaster response partnership with Manila, noting that Tokyo was the Philippines’ largest source of Official Development Assistance in recent years.

In a statement, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya said Japan was the Philippines "leading and trusted" ODA donor. The entire foreign assistance received by Manila as of 2022 from Tokyo, he said, has already reached 59 percent. "Since the 1960s, Japan has been a committed partner to the Philippines, marking almost seven decades of robust bilateral relations. Our support has been vital to numerous infrastructure projects," said Endo.

Big-ticket infrastructure from Japan’s ODA includes the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway (EDSA-Ayala Avenue Interchange), the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2, and the San Juanico Bridge. "These endeavors have significantly enhanced connectivity and economic activity. Our commitment endures key ongoing projects such as the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), Metro Manila Subway, and Davao City Bypass Construction, aimed at making transportation more comfortable and safer," he said.

Endo added that Japan was the Philippines' "steadfast partner" in disaster response and humanitarian relief, as well as peacebuilding. He said the partnership covered several flood mitigation programs and humanitarian support during Typhoon Yolanda, Odette, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Japan also provided capacity building support for the Philippine Coast Guard. "As Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines, I am proud of our contributions and look forward to our continued collaboration. Japan remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a bright and prosperous partnership with the Philippines," he said.

The Embassy of Japan in Manila said there are 314 loans and 398 grants provided to the country from 1966 to 2023. The Philippines' total ODA portfolio in 2024 increased by 6 percent to $39.61 billion, covering 92 project loans, 19 program loans, and 315 grants, according to data from the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev). On Monday, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. assured foreign loan and aid providers that the country would "not tolerate the wastage of public funds", as his government continues its crackdown on anomalous flood-control projects.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com