The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has released the first tranche of its standby disaster financing facility to help the Philippines recover from the devastation caused by Typhoon Tino, unlocking ¥10 billion (about ₱3.7 billion) for urgent response and rehabilitation efforts.
In a news release, JICA said the disbursement comes under the Post-Disaster Standby Loan Phase 3 (PDSL3), a pre-arranged financing mechanism that enables the Philippine government to quickly mobilize funds in the aftermath of major disasters.
The Department of Finance (DOF) requested the release following the declaration of a State of National Calamity due to the typhoon’s severe impacts.
Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi), which struck in November 2025, brought intense rainfall, flooding, and landslides across multiple regions. Consolidated reports from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) show that hundreds of thousands of families were affected nationwide, placing heavy pressure on government resources.
JICA Chief Representative Takashi Baba underscored the growing humanitarian and economic toll disasters impose on vulnerable communities. He noted that by making critical funds available, the PDSL3 enables the Philippine government to sustain response operations, ensure the continuity of vital public services, and transition into early recovery and reconstruction.
The Philippines, one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, frequently faces sudden fiscal demands due to extreme weather events and natural hazards. Facilities such as PDSL3 are designed to provide rapid liquidity during these crises, helping stabilize public finances while response efforts are underway.
The PDSL3 facility, signed through a loan agreement in August 2023, provides up to ¥30 billion in standby financing for post-disaster recovery. It builds on Japan’s long-running disaster support to the Philippines.
The first phase of the Post-Disaster Standby Loan was activated in 2013 after Typhoon Yolanda, one of the deadliest storms in Philippine history, while Phase 2 was disbursed in 2020 to help the government manage fiscal pressures arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and concurrent natural disasters.
Beyond financing, JICA has also extended direct humanitarian assistance. In October 2025, the agency provided emergency relief goods through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for families affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu on September 30, 2025.
JICA reaffirmed its commitment to remain a steadfast partner of the Philippines in disaster recovery, rehabilitation, and resilience-building efforts as climate-related risks continue to intensify.