Press Release

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) disbursed on January 5 another 10 billion yen (roughly PHP 4.7 billion) under its Post Disaster Standby Loan 2 (PDSL 2) assistance to the Philippines in support of families devastated by recent typhoons in the last quarter of 2020.

The disbursement followed the declaration of the Philippine government of a State of Calamity in the entire island of Luzon due to recent Typhoons Quinta, Rolly, and Ulysses that caused widespread devastation, destruction, and damage to infrastructure and agriculture, disrupting lives and economic activities.

"As a friend and trusted partner of the Philippines, JICA stands by Filipinos whose lives were disrupted because of the recent natural disasters. Through the JICA post-disaster assistance, we hope that vulnerable sectors affected will find relief and support to recover their livelihood and income through the spirit of ‘bayanihan' in these difficult times," JICA Philippines Chief Representative AZUKIZAWA Eigo said.

Under Republic Act No. 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, a declaration of State of Calamity by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of the Philippines will help hasten rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts of government, private sector, and international humanitarian assistance to the Philippines.

The JICA disbursement forms part of the 50 billion yen loan extended on September 15, 2020 to the Philippines ensuring contingency funds are available for the Philippines' response to the financial demands of post-disaster recovery in case of natural disasters and public health threats.

"As partners for inclusive development, JICA is supporting the Philippines with available financial resources to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and health crisis. We're making it clear that we're in this together and that JICA will support development partners who need our assistance," added Azukizawa.

An earlier 10 billion yen was disbursed to the Philippines to support response and recovery efforts from the pandemic following the extension of the State of Calamity throughout the Philippines due to COVID-19 under Proclamation No. 929 on September 16, 2020.

In addition to PDSL 2, JICA has supported the Philippines with a 50 billion yen COVID-19 Crisis Response Emergency Support Loan signed on July 1, 2020 and released on August 14.

In 2013, JICA provided PDSL to the Philippines' recovery from Typhoon Yolanda, helping families recover lost income and rebuild their lives.

JICA also continues to support the Philippines' Build Build Build agenda to boost the economy through infrastructure building.

JICA, the world's largest bilateral aid organization, is also a major partner of the Philippines in terms of Official Development Assistance (ODA). Aside from disaster risk reduction and management, JICA has been supporting sectors such as railways, roads and bridges, maritime safety and security, investment promotion, energy, environment, social development, agriculture, and peace and development in Mindanao.