A delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Parliamentary League, led by Chairperson Ms. Obuchi Yuko, visited the Philippines from August 27 to 29, 2025 to join the 60th anniversary celebration of the JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) program and to inspect major railway infrastructure projects supported by Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA).
On August 28, the delegation toured the CP103 section of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) at Camp Aguinaldo. Funded through JICA’s ODA yen loan and the STEP program, the subway is set to ease Metro Manila’s heavy traffic congestion, reduce air pollution, and improve the quality of life for millions of Filipinos.
The following day, the group visited the LRT Line 1 depot, where they exchanged views with officials of Sumitomo Corporation and JICA. In 2024, Sumitomo, Hankyu Railway Co., Ltd., and JICA signed investment agreements for the operation and maintenance of LRT-1—marking the first overseas railway O&M investment for both JICA and Hankyu. The initiative is expected to boost passenger safety, efficiency, and overall reliability along Metro Manila’s busiest rail line.
Japan remains the Philippines’ largest ODA partner, strongly backing landmark transport projects such as the Metro Manila Subway and LRT-1. With the 70th anniversary of Japan-Philippines diplomatic ties approaching in 2026, these initiatives reflect the enduring partnership and shared commitment to modern, sustainable infrastructure.