Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday met with the chairperson of Japan's largest charitable foundation to explore expanded cooperation in emerging sectors such as digital innovation. Marcos held a dialogue with Yohei Sasakawa, chairperson of The Nippon Foundation and honorary chairperson of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, as part of efforts to reinforce development initiatives between the Philippines and Japan.

According to Philippines News Agency, during the meeting, Marcos expressed appreciation for the foundations' long-standing support for Filipino maritime professionals, peacebuilders, and healthcare initiatives. The foundations have supported scholarship programs at the World Maritime University, peacebuilding support through the Asian Peacebuilders Scholarship, and assistance to the Philippine School of Prosthetics and Orthotics.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the initiatives reflect Japan's contribution to human capital development in the Philippines. Both sides discussed plans to expand cooperation in potential areas, including critical minerals, digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and sustainable ocean governance.

The meeting underscored the shared commitment of the Philippines and Japan to promote regional stability and inclusive development. 'Peacebuilding, maritime security, and inclusive development [are] at the forefront of Japan-Philippines partnership,' the PCO said.