Japan To Boost Philippine Infrastructure Support

Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced that his government will continue supporting the Philippines' public-private infrastructure development initiatives in line with the Marcos administration's "Build Better More" policy.

In a statement following his bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Malacañang, Kishida revealed that Japan's infrastructure support will encompass projects such as the Dalton Pass and the Manila Metro Subway Project. I Photo: Bongbong Marcos Facebook

This support will also extend to initiatives related to smart agriculture and the adoption of renewable energy.

In a statement following his bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Malacañang, Kishida revealed that Japan's infrastructure support will encompass projects such as the Dalton Pass and the Manila Metro Subway Project.

The "Build Better More" program represents an expansion of the previous "Build Build Build" program and aims to address the inadequacies in the country's infrastructure that have hindered national development.

Kishida stated, "In the area of the economy, I mentioned that we will continue to provide public-private support for infrastructure development, such as the Dalton Pass and the Manila Metro (Subway Project), in line with President Marcos' 'Build Better More' policy."

He also mentioned the decision to provide heavy equipment for disaster management in the Mindanao region to support peace, economic development, and social development.

Japan will continue to collaborate in areas such as smart agriculture, decarbonization, energy transition, and tourism, while closely monitoring the upcoming ASEAN Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Summit.

President Marcos highlighted the importance of Japan's commitment to the Philippines and expressed gratitude for Japan's dynamic support of the Philippines' efforts to attain Upper Middle-Income Country (UMIC) status by 2025 in line with the Philippine Development Plan for 2023-2028.

He emphasized the significance of Japan's involvement in projects such as the Japan-funded Metro Manila Subway Project and the development of the North-South Commuter Railway and its extension, which will enhance mass transportation across the country.

During the visit, key agreements were signed to strengthen bilateral relations in various fields, including tourism, mining, defense, security cooperation, climate change initiatives in Mindanao, and road improvement.

Prime Minister Kishida's visit marks another important milestone in the Philippine-Japan Strategic Partnership, highlighting the strong commitment of both countries to further enhance their bilateral relations. Japan and the Philippines have a longstanding alliance in the Asian region.

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