PH, Japan Deepen Ties for Infra Push

The Philippines and Japan have renewed their commitment to deepening economic and infrastructure cooperation, with both sides identifying key projects and policy directions to bridge infrastructure gaps and support inclusive growth across the country.

The reaffirmation was made during the 15th Meeting of the Philippines-Japan High-Level Joint Committee on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation, held Monday at the Bureau of the Treasury in Manila.

The meeting was co-chaired by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Finance (DOF) for the Philippine government, and by the Special Advisor to the Prime Minister for the Japanese government.

Discussions centered on enhancing cooperation in disaster risk reduction, maritime safety, regional development, digital transformation, energy, and environmental protection—all aligned with the Philippines’ long-term socioeconomic development goals.

NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan described Japan as a “steadfast partner” in the country’s infrastructure journey and highlighted how the collaboration continues to contribute to the Philippines’ “sustained and transformative growth.”

“Today’s discussions reaffirmed our shared commitment toward ensuring the successful implementation of key infrastructure projects and tackling challenges in project execution,” Balisacan said.

“We have taken stock of our accomplishments, exchanged updates on critical initiatives, and explored new avenues for cooperation,” he added.

Several Japanese-supported infrastructure projects under review included:

-The Parañaque Spillway Construction Project

-The Philippine Coast Guard Support Facility

-The National Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting Network Project

-The Second San Juanico Bridge Construction Project

These initiatives reflect Japan’s continued technical and financial support for the Philippines, which has received significant concessional loans and development assistance over the years.

Balisacan stressed that to reach the goal of becoming an upper middle-income country, the Philippines must sustain infrastructure investment, implement policy reforms, and strengthen institutional capacity.

He also emphasized the need to adopt innovative financing models to supplement official development assistance.

“With concessional loans becoming less accessible, we recognize that Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) will play a greater role in infrastructure development,” Balisacan said.

“We look forward to expanding our cooperation in this area and leveraging Japan’s expertise to enhance private sector engagement for priority projects,” he added.

In line with this, the meeting featured the ceremonial signing of five new loan agreements, covering critical projects in flood control, climate resilience, healthcare, and regional connectivity:

-Davao City Bypass Construction Project

-Phase IV of the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project

-Cavite Industrial Area Flood Risk Management Project

-Climate Change Action Program, Subprogram 2

-Build Universal Healthcare Program, Subprogram 2

These projects aim to address long-standing infrastructure bottlenecks while boosting regional development and resilience against climate-related risks.

The Philippines-Japan Joint Committee, established in January 2017 following former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s state visit, serves as a formal mechanism to coordinate and monitor bilateral infrastructure and economic cooperation.

It also provides a platform for both governments to resolve implementation issues, track progress, and align future development priorities.

Japan remains one of the Philippines’ largest sources of official development assistance, contributing to major transport, flood control, and disaster resilience projects across the archipelago.

With infrastructure remaining a centerpiece of the Marcos administration’s economic agenda, the Philippines is looking to further leverage Japan’s expertise in planning, financing, and executing high-impact development programs.

Balisacan concluded, “We are committed to making this partnership even more responsive to our national priorities and to the changing needs of the Filipino people.”