The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is banking on its cooperation with Japan to speed up priority infrastructure projects that will directly benefit Filipino commuters and communities.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said on Monday that Japan’s support is expected to accelerate the rollout of major public works and improve mobility, connectivity, and access to economic opportunities.

He stressed that the President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is confident that the cooperation between the Phiippines and Japan will lead to the country’s economic growth, improved trade and investments.

Gratitude for Japan’s assistance 

Dizon expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan, through the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), for its assistance in modernizing the Philippines’ infrastructure network.

“The DPWH will make sure that the Filipino people will reap the benefits of this assistance for their improved quality of life,” he said, during the fourth Technical and Business Cooperation on Road Tunnel Construction workshop

The workshop was led by key representatives from both countries, including MLIT Assistant Vice Minister for Engineering and Road Tomiyama Hidenori; Embassy of Japan Economic Minister Yokota Naobumi; JICA Philippines Senior Representative Morishima Takanori; and DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain and Undersecretary Nicasio A. Conti.

Strengthening technical cooperation and business linkages

Workshop discussions centered on strengthening technical cooperation and business linkages. Experts and companies from the road and tunnel sectors shared knowledge, exchanged best practices, and identified opportunities for future collaboration.

The partnership will enable technology transfer, technical collaboration, and business matchmaking for Japan-funded projects such as the ongoing Davao City Bypass Construction Project and the planned Dalton Bypass East Alternative Road.