Top Japanese lawmakers met with Philippine government officials this week to review progress on big-ticket public works and transport projects funded by Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), including the Metro Manila Subway and the North–South Commuter Railway.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Parliamentary League, led by Representative Yuko Obuchi, held a roundtable discussion on August 27 with Cabinet officials led by Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon and Public Works Undersecretary Emil Sadain.
The talks came as Japan reaffirmed its role as the Philippines’ largest ODA partner and ahead of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026.
Philippine officials highlighted major transport undertakings made possible through Japanese funding:
- Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP), the country’s first underground railway system, which promises to cut travel time from Quezon City to NAIA to just 35 minutes.
- North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), a 147-kilometer line connecting Pampanga to Laguna that is set to serve over 300,000 passengers daily once completed.
- Davao City Bypass Road, designed to ease traffic congestion and spur growth in Mindanao.
- Light Rail Transit (LRT) upgrades, as part of wider efforts to modernize urban transport.
Japan’s aid also covers flood control projects in Metro Manila and Cavite, aiming to protect millions of residents from destructive seasonal flooding. The Philippine Coast Guard likewise cited Japanese-funded patrol vessels as vital to ensuring maritime safety.
“These projects are not just concrete and steel; they represent lifelines for our people and engines of growth for our regions,” said officials who attended the meeting.
While infrastructure dominated the agenda, both sides also acknowledged the contributions of Japanese Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV), who continue to work in education, healthcare, agriculture, and environmental protection in local communities.
Japanese legislators emphasized that the Philippines remains a “strategic partner” in Asia, bound by shared democratic values. Philippine counterparts expressed gratitude for Japan’s long-standing support, underscoring that JICA projects have been crucial in reducing poverty, improving mobility, and strengthening resilience.
Japan has consistently ranked as the top ODA provider to the Philippines.
As the two countries edge closer to their 70th year of normalized relations, both sides vowed to further deepen cooperation.