The Philippines participated for the first time in the 3rd Japan Pacific Islands Defense Dialogue (JPIDD) held from 22 to 24 February 2026, in Tokyo, hosted by the Ministry of Defense of Japan, the Department of National Defense (DND) said Saturday.

The Philippine delegation was led by DND Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Marita I. Yoro. 

The forum brought together defense and security leaders from Japan and Pacific Island countries to discuss regional challenges.

The JPIDD serves as a platform for defense and security leaders from Japan and Pacific Island countries to strengthen collaboration in addressing shared regional challenges. 

This year’s dialogue centered on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, Climate Change, and Maritime Security—critical pillars for safeguarding communities and ensuring sustainable development across the Pacific.

During the dialogue, the Philippine delegation held bilateral meetings with counterparts from Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore to explore expanded defense cooperation, review capacity-building programs, and strengthen collaboration on shared security concerns.

“These engagements explored avenues for expanded bilateral defense cooperation, reviewed capacity-building initiatives, and strengthened collaboration on mutual security concerns,” the DND said. 

The Philippines’ inaugural participation coincided with the 70th anniversary of the normalization of Philippines-Japan diplomatic relations and a new phase of strategic partnership between the two countries.

It also marked a step in broadening Manila’s defense partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.