The Philippines and Japan have agreed to establish wireless broadband connectivity in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, collectively known as BaSulTa, as part of efforts to enhance digital access and connectivity in the Sulu Archipelago.

The agreement was disclosed in Manila by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro during the recent exchange of notes for Japan’s official security assistance to the Philippines.

Lazaro said the exchange of notes includes Japan’s official security assistance for the Japanese fiscal year 2025, amounting to 200 million Japanese yen, or approximately P341 million, to support the Philippines’ initiative to modernize the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

She added that a separate exchange of notes covered Japan’s grant aid for the establishment of wireless broadband connectivity in Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, worth 1.63 billion Japanese yen, or about P617 million.

“[This is] in support of the enhancement of connectivity and digital access in the Sulu Archipelago,” Lazaro said in her speech.

According to the DFA chief, the newly signed pacts reflect the close and evolving collaboration between the Philippines and Japan under their strengthened strategic partnership.

“The signing of these agreements reflects the close and evolving collaboration between the Philippines and Japan under our strengthened strategic partnership and supports ongoing collaboration across priority areas of the relationship, as we mark this year as the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations,” she said.

Lazaro emphasized that Japan remains a vital strategic partner of the Philippines, with both countries bound by shared values of democracy, respect for the rule of law, and a common commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.