Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya and Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa P. Lazaro signed an Exchange of Notes Tuesday for a 30-billion-yen loan to support the Philippines’ universal health care program.

The emergency support loan, worth approximately 30 billion yen, aims to strengthen policy implementation for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and mitigate health sector pressures stemming from escalating tensions in the Middle East.

According to official statements, the program is designed to expand equitable access to medical services, reinforce the supply chain for essential healthcare supplies, and promote long-term economic stability and social development.

Japanese officials noted that improving the Philippines’ health infrastructure and economic stability will benefit the local population while supporting the operations of 1,630 Japanese companies currently operating in the country.

Under the terms of the agreement, the untied loan carries an annual interest rate of 2.5 percent with a 15-year repayment period, which includes a five-year grace period.