Osaka: Japan has reiterated its commitment to supporting the Philippine government's infrastructure development initiatives by providing financial assistance for critical projects such as bridges, spillways, and maritime facilities aimed at enhancing connectivity and safety.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Finance (DOF) reported that a Philippine economic and infrastructure team, led by Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, held discussions with the Japanese government in Osaka on September 11 to review the progress of key projects backed by Japan.
The meeting featured representatives from Japan, including Dr. Mori Masafumi, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, and officials from various ministries such as Foreign Affairs, Finance, and Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, along with the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.
The Philippine delegation included Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano, Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, Department of Public Works and Highways Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain, and Department of Budget and Management Assistant Secretary Romeo Matthew Balanquit.
The meeting occurred alongside the 2025 Osaka Expo and the Philippine Economic Briefing. Dr. Masafumi noted steady progress in cooperative efforts across several fields, including infrastructure development, disaster prevention, and energy.
Upcoming projects slated for Japanese financing between 2025 and 2026 include the construction of the 2.611-km second San Juanico bridge, which will link Leyte and Samar Islands, reducing travel time and fostering economic growth in the Visayas region.
Additionally, the Para±aque spillway project aims to mitigate flooding in the Laguna Lakeshore areas by channeling excess water from Laguna Lake into Manila Bay, thus protecting communities and livelihoods during extreme weather.
Japan will also support the development of a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) facility in the Subic Bay Area, enhancing maritime safety and security.
Finance Secretary Recto emphasized the commitment to transparency and effective use of Japanese support, stating, "Your confidence will be invested properly in the future of our people. Every yen and every peso will be made to work harder and go farther."
The meeting also addressed updates and challenges on ongoing Japanese-funded projects such as the North-South Commuter Railway Project, Metro Rail Transit Line 3 Rehabilitation, and the Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project.
Discussions also highlighted Japan's contributions to peace and reconstruction efforts in Mindanao, with Japan being the Philippines' largest official development assistance provider, totaling approximately PHP805.76 billion as of March 2025.
