JICA Philippines’ outgoing and incoming chiefs pay a courtesy call to PBBM, confirming their unwavering and strong partnership

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Philippines marks a smooth leadership transition as outgoing Chief Representative SAKAMOTO Takema and newly appointed Chief Representative BABA Takashi met with H.E. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr in Malacañang on March 19th. The meeting served venue to reaffirm the unwavering and strong partnership between the Philippines and JICA, highlighting the various Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects underway.

In the last three years, JICA launched more than 70 new projects, placing the Philippines among the top global recipients of JICA’s assistance globally. These projects supported the enhancement of transportation networks, flood control systems, innovations in health and agriculture, and the Bangsamoro peace process, to name a few. These initiatives significantly contribute to socioeconomic development in every field, empowering underserved communities across the Philippines, with the spirit of JICA’s guiding principle, human security.

Beyond infrastructure, JICA is also keen on capacity development, receiving over 800 Filipino trainees in various fields that are critical to national quality growth for all. These programs, which include scholarships for about 100 professionals, have equipped government officials, experts, and future leaders with advanced knowledge and technical expertise. By strengthening local capabilities, JICA has strengthened governance and public service delivery, and developed a more skilled workforce that is ready to tackle the country’s evolving challenges. Those Filipinos are also consolidating further robust ties between the Philippines and Japan.

Moreover, JICA fostered exceptionally strong trust relationship with Philippine partners that drove key reforms and address long-standing bottlenecks that hinder infrastructure development and investment climate. Through the streamlining of permitting processes for Infrastructure Flagship Projects (EO 59), the establishment of an inter-agency committee for right-of-way (ROW) activities (AO 19), and the adequate budget allocation (GAA), JICA has supported the acceleration of implementation of critical projects and improve the investment climate as a competitive destination for foreign and domestic investors. “My proudest achievement is the trust relationship, even at the highest level such as Secretaries, so that we can easily adjust and calibrate our direction to move,” SAKAMOTO said.

JICA remains committed to unwaveringly supporting the Philippines’ development goals. The leadership transition ensures the continuity of critical development programs that drive sustainable progress and strengthen governance to improve the living standards of Filipinos. With seven decades of collaboration built on trust and shared goals, JICA and the Philippine government will continue working together to foster a more resilient and prosperous future.

President Marcos ultimately expressed his utmost gratitude to JICA for its long-standing support to the nation’s journey towards inclusive and sustainable growth.