The Philippines and Japan have agreed to jointly undertake a major disaster risk reduction project focused on mitigating the impact of earthquakes and tsunamis in the Greater Metro Manila Area, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

In a statement Saturday, OCD said the agreement marks the completion of a detailed planning survey and paves the way for the project’s implementation, which is expected to begin in 2026.

OCD Officer-in-Charge Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Senior Representative Morishima Takanori formalized the partnership through a ceremonial signing of the minutes for the technical cooperation project at the OCD Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“The signing we have witnessed today is a product of months of collaboration, technical consultation, and alignment of our priorities and values,” Alejandro said. “It signals our readiness to implement a science-based, inclusive, and forward-looking disaster risk reduction program that is responsive to the realities of Greater Metro Manila.”

Alejandro added that the initiative will institutionalize key measures, including the strengthening of infrastructure, continuity of essential services, localizing risk management strategies, and establishing sustainable financing mechanisms for disaster resilience.

JICA’s Morishima expressed appreciation for the OCD’s cooperation during the planning phase.

"The stakeholder meetings and workshops have created huge momentum on earthquake resiliency — not just for Greater Metro Manila but for the entire Philippines. With OCD’s leadership, we hope to keep stakeholders engaged in this disaster-risk-prone country," he said.

According to the OCD, the project aligns with the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who earlier emphasized the importance of science-based innovation in disaster preparedness and resilience.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. also hailed the partnership as a model of effective international cooperation, contributing to long-term national security.

Japan has consistently shared its expertise and best practices in disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure with the Philippines, even amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Both countries face frequent natural hazards due to their location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, making disaster resilience a shared priority.