The Philippines has signed five new loan agreements with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) totalling JPY 171.58 billion (USD 1.13 billion) to fund key infrastructure and climate-related initiatives. The agreements were finalised during the 15th Philippines-Japan High-Level Joint Committee Meeting on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation in Manila.
Key projects under this funding package include:
- Davao City Bypass Construction Project (Phase III) – JPY 46.34 billion (USD 305 million)
This project involves a 29.6-km bypass road and the country’s first long-distance mountain tunnel, aimed at decongesting Davao City traffic and boosting regional logistics and economic growth. - Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project (Phase IV) – JPY 45.76 billion (USD 302 million)
The final phase includes structural flood control measures such as dikes, floodgates, and dredging to reduce flood risks in Metro Manila and enhance urban development. - Climate Change Action Program – Subprogram 2 – JPY 35 billion (USD 231 million)
Co-financed with ADB and AFD, this program will support the country’s climate mitigation and adaptation efforts, including disaster preparedness and low-carbon initiatives. - Build Universal Health Care – Subprogram 2 – JPY 30 billion (USD 198 million)
Aimed at expanding access to quality healthcare, particularly in addressing climate-related and gender-specific health issues. - Cavite Industrial Area Flood Risk Management Project (Phase II) – JPY 14.48 billion (USD 95 million)
This flood management initiative will protect critical industrial zones in Cavite through river improvement works and resettlement support for affected communities.
Japan also reaffirmed its continued support for other flagship infrastructure initiatives under the Build Better More program, including the Metro Manila Subway, North-South Commuter Railway, MRT-3 rehabilitation, and new proposals such as the Central Mindanao Highway and the second San Juanico Bridge.
JICA noted that the Philippines remains one of the largest recipients of Japan’s Official Development Assistance, underscoring the strength of bilateral cooperation in infrastructure, healthcare, and climate resilience.
(Sources: GMA News; The Philippine Star)
