Jica pledges continued support for the Philippines

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) congratulated the Philippines under the new leadership of President Duterte and Vice President Robredo, as it looks forward to further strengthening its development cooperation in the country. 

“We look forward to continuing the positive relations between Japan and the Philippines through development cooperation and aim to take the partnership to a new level that will mutually benefit both our people,” said Jica Chief Representative Susumu Ito.

Ito added that they hope to continue advancing cooperation for quality infrastructure development to help spread economic activities and attract investments in the Philippines.

For many decades, Jica has strongly supported quality infrastructure, peace and development, and poverty reduction initiatives in the Philippines.

The Jica study “Roadmap for Transport Infrastructure Development for Metro Manila and its Surrounding Areas” which concluded in 2014 aims to help the Philippines develop suburban areas, advance a regional development strategy through north-south transport backbone, and develop new growth centers outside Metro Manila.

Likewise, Jica also offered to continue working with the Philippines for peace and development in Mindanao. The Japanese aid agency has been extending ODA support to Mindanao to help residents in conflict-affected areas realize the dividends of peace and improve their lives.

Jica added that it looks forward to continuing its close cooperation and bilateral ties with the Filipino people and their new leader in jointly addressing development challenges and common responsibilities to boost the economy and human security.

As of 2014, Jica has extended 32.2 billion yen development assistance to the Philippines.