Japan to continue supporting Phl infrastructure projects

The Japanese government on Saturday vowed it will continue supporting the public-private infrastructure development program in the country under the Marcos administration's "Build Better More" policy. 

In a statement, Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said a huge chunk of infrastructure support will cover the speedy implementation of the Dalton Pass in Nueva Ecija and the Manila Metro Subway Project, which were among the big-ticket projects pushed by the previous Duterte administration in 2019. 

Malacañang said the "Build Better More" program builds on the former administration's "Build Build Build" program to continue addressing  "the inadequacies of the country's infrastructure which hinders national development."

Kishida also bared that the Japanese government will provide heavy equipment for disaster management of the Philippines "to help peace and economic and social development in the Mindanao region."

"In addition, we will continue to operate in areas such as smart agriculture, decarbonization, energy transition, and tourism while keeping a close eye on the next month's ASEAN's zero-emission community Summit," he added. 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  earlier noted that Kishida's visit to the country "marks another important milestone in the Philippine-Japan Strategic Partnership" and  "a testament to the strong commitment of both countries to further strengthen bilateral relations."

"We must note with appreciation Japan's commitment to the Philippines, which is manifested by its dynamic support of the Philippines' efforts to attain Upper Middle-Income Country status by 2025 in line with our Philippine Development Plan for 2023-2028," he said.

Marcos also noted that the Japan-funded Metro Manila Subway Project, as well as the development of the North-South Commuter Railway and its extension, "will secure a reliable, safe, and efficient mass transportation system for the entire country."

Marcos and Kishida signed key agreements meant to strengthen the two nations' bilateral relations in the coming years, built on the Joint Statement issued during his official visit to Japan last February.

The bilateral pacts include tourism, mining, defense and security cooperation, as well as Mindanao aid intended to fight climate change and spur road improvements.

Kishida cited the Philippines as one of Japan's "important allies" in Asia.