During a high-level visit to Manila, Japanese officials highlighted the strategic importance of the Batangas LNG Terminal—jointly operated by Tokyo Gas and Philippine partners—as a cornerstone of bilateral collaboration. The facility supports the Philippines’ shift toward cleaner energy sources while strengthening regional energy security.

Engagements with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council underscored Japan’s broader investment agenda in ASEAN, particularly in empowering micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), accelerating startup development, and fostering innovation-driven growth across the region.

Discussions also reflected a shared priority to deepen Japan-ASEAN economic ties through sustainable infrastructure, technology transfer, and long-term capital investments aligned with low-carbon development goals.

In parallel, Japanese representatives met with Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, who reaffirmed his support for strengthening Philippines-Japan relations, following his recent recognition with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun.

The visit further included dialogues with Japanese companies operating in the Philippines, signaling continued confidence in the country as a strategic investment hub and a gateway to ASEAN markets.

DTI Board of Investments (BOI) Managing Head Undersecretary Dr. Ceferino S. Rodolfo met with Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General Eden Bar Tal to explore expanded collaboration in critical minerals value chains and AI-driven industrial development, aligned with the US-led Pax Silica initiative and emerging global critical minerals frameworks.

The engagement comes shortly after the Philippines’ accession to the Pax Silica alliance and its recent partnership with the United States to establish a 4,000-acre AI-native industrial acceleration hub in Luzon, positioning the country as an emerging node in the global advanced manufacturing and AI ecosystem.

Critical minerals—such as nickel, copper, and cobalt—are essential components in semiconductor production, powering microchips, advanced processors, and AI hardware systems. Bar Tal, who chairs Israel’s governmental steering committee on critical minerals strategy, underscored the strategic importance of securing resilient and diversified supply chains for future technologies.

Both sides discussed potential cooperation on mineral processing and refining technologies, where Israel’s strengths in advanced mining solutions, water technologies, and environmental innovation could complement the Philippines’ rich mineral endowment and expanding semiconductor manufacturing base.

The discussions also explored a possible bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) covering critical minerals cooperation, research and development, and AI ecosystem integration—highlighting the strong complementarity between Philippine raw material resources and skilled workforce, and Israel’s deep-tech innovation capabilities.

Further cooperation was also linked to leveraging the Philippines’ growing semiconductor and microchip manufacturing sector to support AI development, reinforcing its positioning in higher-value segments of the global technology supply chain.

Undersecretary Rodolfo is currently in the region to participate in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)) Critical Minerals Forum and to engage with other Pax Silica partner economies.

While in Israel, he is also scheduled to meet officials from the Ministry of Economy and Industry, the Israel National AI Directorate, and the Israel Innovation Authority, along with key stakeholders in the country’s high-tech and trade sectors.

The milestone traces back to May 17, 1951, when formal ties were established.

The reception, held in celebration of the birthday of King Willem-Alexander, brought together guests from the Philippine government, civil society, academe, and business sector. Members of the Dutch community in the Philippines later joined the festivities, led by the Dutch Club Philippines and the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines.

In her remarks, Ambassador Marielle Geraedts underscored the enduring foundations of bilateral cooperation, describing the relationship as a “partnership grounded in mutual respect and shared values of democracy, freedom, and respect for international law.”

In a video message, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro highlighted the strong maritime connection between the two nations and noted the steady expansion of cooperation across various sectors. She emphasized that the Netherlands consistently ranks among the Philippines’ top foreign investors and is one of its leading trading partners within the European Union.

Ambassador Geraedts also pointed out that more than 150 Dutch companies operate in the Philippines, spanning industries such as semiconductors, water management, engineering, and food production.

A traveling exhibition was unveiled during the reception, showcasing decades of collaboration and shared experiences that have shaped the bilateral relationship. The exhibition will be featured in several venues throughout Orange Month, including Uptown Mall from May 4 to 7.

The embassy has also lined up a series of events, including a King’s Day Forum titled “Infra Done Right: Environmental, Social, and Governance Standards in Water Infrastructure and Development in the Philippines,” a film screening on May 8, and discussions promoting fact-based reporting on the West Philippine Sea and the rule of law.

More than 540 decarbonization projects are already underway across 11 countries under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) framework, Japanese representatives said, urging Philippine business leaders to take a more active role in advancing zero-emission investments in the region.

The statement set the tone for a high-level dialogue between Japanese leaders under the AZEC Parliamentary Association and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations – Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Philippines, as both sides pushed for deeper cooperation on energy security, sustainable investments, and supply chain resilience.

Launched in 2023 and proposed by former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, AZEC is a government-led platform that brings together Japan, Australia, and nine ASEAN countries that include the Philippines — to pursue carbon neutrality through what it calls “one goal, various pathways.”

The framework promotes a “triple breakthrough” strategy: advancing decarbonization, economic growth, and energy security at the same time.

Kishida, now serving as Supreme Advisor of the AZEC Parliamentary Association, led the Japanese delegation composed of parliamentarians and business leaders driving Japan-ASEAN cooperation. On the Philippine side, ASEAN-BAC officials, including businessman George Barcelon, represented the private sector alongside key industry stakeholders.

“Your presence here today underscores Japan’s strong commitment to advancing the Asia Zero Emission Community and deepening strategic cooperation with ASEAN,” Barcelon said.

Discussions focused on how AZEC can translate policy into tangible investments, with Japanese officials highlighting a growing pipeline of projects and partnerships spanning renewable energy, grid modernization, hydrogen and ammonia supply chains, and carbon capture technologies.

These initiatives are supported by a mix of policy coordination, technology transfer, and financing mechanisms, including concessional loans and multi-billion-dollar regional packages.

Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and volatility in global energy markets, both sides underscored the urgency of strengthening regional energy systems while ensuring stable and diversified supply chains.

Participants emphasized that closer coordination among governments, businesses, and financial institutions will be critical in navigating the complexities of the energy transition. particularly in fast-growing economies like the Philippines, where energy demand continues to rise.

Beyond energy, the dialogue also explored opportunities to expand collaboration in entrepreneurship, innovation, and support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with Japanese officials encouraging engagement with startups and emerging industries that can drive inclusive growth.

The meeting also reflected broader strategic alignment between Japan and ASEAN, with AZEC serving as both a climate and economic platform. Japan has positioned the initiative as part of its wider Green Transformation strategy, using it to mobilize investments, shape regional energy systems, and support partner countries amid global supply shocks.

The engagement coincided with the 70th anniversary of Japan-Philippines diplomatic relations, reinforcing the depth of bilateral ties and shared development goals.

Both sides expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between Japanese stakeholders and Philippine businesses will accelerate investments in clean energy, infrastructure modernization, and sustainable development while opening more opportunities for local firms to participate in Japan-backed regional initiatives.

The high-level gathering comes as Southeast Asia faces a worsening energy crisis, supply chain disruptions and broader economic strain, underscoring the need for stronger regional cooperation and sustainable growth strategies.

The summit will be held in Cebu, Philippines, where a national energy emergency has been declared, highlighting vulnerabilities in ASEAN’s energy and economic systems. Organizers said discussions will focus on how ASEAN can strengthen resilience through deeper ASEAN-EU ties and stronger public-private sector collaboration.

Among the program highlights is a ministerial panel featuring Philippine Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go and Indonesia Deputy Minister of National Development Planning Leonardo A.A. Teguh Sambodo.

EU Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro will join a dialogue on ASEAN-EU cooperation with Robert E.A. Borje, vice chairperson and executive director of the Philippine Climate Change Commission.

ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, EU Ambassador to ASEAN Sujiro Seam, and European Commission representatives are also expected to participate virtually.

Key discussions will center on sustainability priorities under the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship, including energy transition, green finance, circular economy development, sustainable trade and supply chains, and climate-resilient agriculture.

More than 200 representatives from government, business, development institutions and civil society are expected to attend the summit, jointly organized by the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP).

Chris Humphrey, executive director of EU-ABC, said ASEAN and the EU must deepen cooperation amid multiple overlapping crises.

“We’re facing energy, economic and supply chain challenges that no party can address alone. ASEAN and the EU should look to each other for a reliable, long-term partnership built on shared ambitions for sustainable economic growth,” Humphrey said.

Paulo Duarte, president of ECCP and member of the EU-ABC Executive Board, said the next step is turning momentum into practical cooperation.

“The ASEAN-EU partnership has grown significantly, but the priority now is to translate that into tangible collaboration,” Duarte said.

The summit will also highlight the private sector’s role in advancing sustainability priorities, particularly in circular economy systems, supply chain integrity and agricultural resilience.

Executives from global companies, including Boehringer Ingelheim, Coca-Cola and Philip Morris International are expected to join the discussions.

Organizers said the event aims to move beyond dialogue and generate actionable partnerships that can support ASEAN’s long-term resilience and sustainable development agenda.

It issued the call as it welcomed strengthened Philippines–Japan energy cooperation under AZEC, following the visit of Japanese political figure Kishida Fumio, Special Envoy of Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae and Supreme Adviser to the Parliamentary Association of AZEC.

AZEC is a Japan-led regional initiative that promotes collaboration among partner countries on clean energy transition, energy security, and decarbonization.

Stratbase Institute President Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit urged the Marcos administration to fast-track energy projects under AZEC and strengthen cooperation with Tokyo and other like-minded partners, instead of pursuing arrangements that could expose the Philippines to geopolitical pressure.

His statement comes amid ongoing discussions on potential joint energy exploration activities with China in the West Philippine Sea, an area Beijing continues to claim despite a 2016 arbitral ruling invalidating its expansive claims in the South China Sea.

“The Philippines must be unequivocal in its direction and choose arrangements that deliver real, sustainable prosperity. It must build its energy future with partners that respect its sovereignty and support a rules-based order,” Stratbase said.

The institute stressed that any energy arrangement involving implicit or explicit concessions in the West Philippine Sea—or those that disregard ongoing coercive actions—would undermine the country’s sovereign interests.

Manhit said AZEC offers a “credible and forward-looking framework” that simultaneously advances energy security, economic growth, and decarbonization, particularly at a time when global energy systems face pressure from geopolitical tensions, including conflicts in the Middle East.

He also welcomed plans for the Philippines and Japan to co-host the 4th AZEC Leaders Meeting in November, describing it as recognition of Manila’s growing strategic role in the Indo-Pacific.

Stratbase likewise raised concerns over continued Chinese activities in the West Philippine Sea, including reported harassment of Philippine vessels and disregard for the 2016 arbitral ruling, saying these developments highlight the risks of exposure to political and economic leverage.

In contrast, the institute pointed to Japan as a model partner, citing its commitment to transparency, respect for international law, and capacity-building in its cooperation with the Philippines.

Last week, Kishida met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin to discuss expanded AZEC cooperation, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan.

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), together with Atikha Overseas Workers Communities Initiative Inc., is exploring how institutionalized care — long seen with skepticism — can evolve into a viable sector for investment while remaining aligned with traditions such as pagsisilbi, or service to elders.

During a recent virtual consultation with Non-Resident Filipinos (NRFs) in Australia, stakeholders identified a key challenge: how to develop retirement communities that offer dignity, independence, and quality healthcare without clashing with the cultural expectation that families care for aging parents at home.

The discussion signals a broader policy shift by the CFO, which is moving toward more proactive diaspora engagement. Instead of focusing solely on administrative support, the agency is positioning itself as a driver of reintegration strategies that could open opportunities for private investment in retirement infrastructure.

At the center of the conversation is the need to reframe institutional care not as abandonment, but as “professional care” that complements the Filipino family system.

Participants emphasized that for Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) to gain traction in the Philippines, they must be designed as extensions of the family, rather than as Western-style nursing homes.

This cultural nuance is critical for investors.

Research on “transnational aging” shows that while overseas Filipinos recognize the practical benefits of integrated healthcare and managed retirement living, emotional barriers remain. Concepts like hiya (shame), particularly around perceptions of neglecting elderly parents, continue to shape decision-making.

To address these concerns, the CFO and its partners are calling for deeper market research, including focus group discussions and case studies, to better understand how returning Filipinos assess retirement options and what would make institutional care acceptable.

The consultation, which included leaders from Australian Filipino community groups in Ballarat and Melbourne, serves as groundwork for a Retirement Forum on May 18, 2026. The forum is expected to highlight investment opportunities, healthcare access, and the logistics of reintegration for returning migrants.

Michael Apattad of the CFO Policy Planning and Research Division underscored the importance of grounding policy in real-world insights.

He said these consultations are vital to ensuring that the Philippine government’s retirement programs are not just aspirational, but practical and culturally resonant for the millions of Filipinos who call the world their home.

As the Philippines prepares for a wave of returning retirees, the challenge and opportunity for both government and investors is clear: build a retirement care sector that is not only modern and scalable, but unmistakably Filipino.

Japan is set to deepen its energy partnership with the Philippines, positioning Manila as one of the early beneficiaries under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) framework, as both countries mark the 70th year of diplomatic relations — underscoring a renewed push for closer cooperation in energy security, transition, and investment.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, Supreme Adviser to the Parliamentary Association of AZEC, said he expects the Philippines to be among the first countries to receive support under the newly launched POWERR Asia (Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience Asia), a regional financing initiative involving 11 economies aimed at strengthening energy resilience and advancing decarbonization across Asia.

Kishida made the statement during the AZEC press conference following separate meetings with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Department of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin in Manila, where discussions centered on expanding cooperation in liquefied natural gas (LNG), nuclear energy, and long-term energy system stability.

He stressed that growing geopolitical tensions and supply uncertainties, particularly in the Middle East, are reinforcing the urgency for more diversified and resilient energy systems in the region.

Kishida also underscored the importance of strengthening ASEAN-wide collaboration through AZEC, noting that Japan and the Philippines will co-host the fourth AZEC leaders’ meeting in November, which is expected to further refine regional energy cooperation mechanisms.

He confirmed that detailed discussions on POWERR Asia will continue among its 11 member economies—Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, and Cambodia—to define funding pathways and project priorities.

Japan currently has more than 540 AZEC-related projects across Southeast Asia, including over 30 in the Philippines covering renewable energy, bioenergy, and other transition-related investments.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is expected to visit Japan later this month, where both sides are seen to further advance discussions on financing, strategic energy investments, and expanded cooperation under the AZEC and POWERR Asia frameworks.

In a briefing at the National Press Club in Intramuros, Manila on April 30, APECO President and CEO Undersecretary Gil G. Taway IV, through Public Relations Chief Kris Crismundo, presented the ecozone’s updated investment direction anchored on national priorities for food security, energy security, and national security.

Established under Republic Act Nos. 9490 and 10083, APECO oversees nearly 13,000 hectares in northern Aurora, with its main site in Casiguran and a satellite office in Parqal, Aseana City, Parañaque to engage investors.

The agency highlighted its geographic positioning along the Pacific seaboard as a key advantage, describing the area as a potential gateway for industries seeking alternative routes outside traditional western Philippine trade corridors.

APECO is also targeting three key investment pillars: defense-related industries, fisheries and marine-based industries, and clean energy development. It said it is drawing interest from firms exploring expansion in manufacturing, logistics, and strategic services.

Building a Pacific-facing logistics alternative

APECO acknowledged its delayed development in previous years but said reforms over the last three years have helped strengthen coordination with national agencies and local communities.

It also admitted current infrastructure gaps, including the absence of a seaport and commercial airport, but framed these as part of a long-term buildout strategy with private sector partners.

In its investment pitch, APECO positioned itself as a “redundancy node” in global supply chains, offering an alternative logistics route to complement existing hubs in Metro Manila, Batangas, and Subic.

It cited increasing vulnerabilities in global trade systems due to geopolitical tensions, port congestion, and chokepoint disruptions, underscoring the need for diversified supply routes.

Integrated port-airport industrial vision

The ecozone’s flagship projects include the planned Casiguran International Seaport and Casiguran International Airport, envisioned as an integrated intermodal logistics system linking sea, air, and land transport.

APECO said the infrastructure cluster will support cold storage, agro-processing, manufacturing, and export-oriented industries, creating a value-adding ecosystem within the zone.

It is inviting companies dependent on East Asian supply chains but serving global export markets to consider locating in Casiguran as part of their expansion strategy.

Investment partnership push

APECO emphasized that its long-term success depends on early investor participation in shaping the ecozone’s development.

“We are offering a space designed to give companies options, not limitations; access, not congestion; and connectivity, not isolation,” the agency said.

APECO said it aims to evolve from a developing ecozone into a Pacific-facing industrial and logistics hub built through public-private collaboration.

Former Japanese Prime Minister and House of Representatives member Fumio Kishida visited the Philippines on April 30 as Special Envoy of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, holding high-level talks with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin to strengthen bilateral cooperation on energy security, decarbonization, and economic resilience.

During his meeting with President Marcos, Kishida underscored the growing importance of the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, saying resilient energy supply systems are now more critical than ever for Asian economies. He said AZEC’s goal of advancing energy security, economic growth, and decarbonization simultaneously has become increasingly relevant.

Kishida also thanked President Marcos for joining the AZEC Plus online Summit on Energy Resilience held on April 15. He conveyed Prime Minister Takaichi’s commitment to deepen cooperation with the Philippines and work closely with President Marcos toward co-hosting the 4th AZEC Leaders’ Meeting in November.

He likewise handed over a letter from Prime Minister Takaichi to the Philippine leader and expressed hope that ties between the two nations would expand further this year, which marks the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines.

President Marcos welcomed Kishida’s visit and expressed appreciation for Japan’s longstanding support to the Philippines. He said AZEC initiatives have gained even greater importance under current global conditions and affirmed Manila’s commitment to close collaboration with Tokyo.

Both sides also discussed concrete cooperation under the Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience (POWERR Asia), as well as the future evolution of AZEC with stronger focus on economic and energy resilience.

Kishida also met with Energy Secretary Garin, thanking the Philippines for its active role under AZEC and expressing hope for continued collaboration as co-chairs of the Ministerial Meeting in September.

Garin welcomed the visit and described AZEC as an increasingly vital platform for regional cooperation. She also signaled interest in expanding partnerships with Japanese firms and accelerating concrete projects under the framework.

Japanese companies operating in the Philippines also joined the discussions, which included exchanges on future investments and deeper private sector cooperation.