PHL gets $287-M loan package from Japan during PNoy trip

President Benigno Aquino III and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday witnessed the Exchange of Notes on at least $287 million worth of loans for the Philippines signed in Tokyo.

 

At a press conference in Manila, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Aquino attended a bilateral meeting hosted by Abe at the Prime Minister's Official Residence in Japan, where the two heads of state saw the signing of the Exchange of Notes on three items:

Also possibly discussed during the meeting were "regional issues" and other topics related to "cooperation for disaster management and reconstruction," Valte said.

Aquino arrived in Japan on Thursday to attend the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit.

 

Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez had earlier said the West Philippine Sea dispute may be tackled during the meeting.

Honorary degree from Sophia

 

Before the bilateral meeting, Valte said Aquino attended a courtesy call of Chancellor Toshiaki Koso S.J. and President Tadashi Takizawa of Sophia University.

The university, a Jesuit global learning institution, conferred on Aquino an honorary doctorate law degree for his "significant achievements in the promotion of good governance and peace in the Philippines, which have contributed to the remarkable economic development of the country in recent years."

Aquino is a product of the Ateneo de Manila University, another Jesuit institution.

 

In a speech during the event, Aquino related how he gets strength from public support in addressing leadership challenges.

 

"People always ask: How did you manage to do this? 

 

“Time and again, I have answered: 'Definitely, not by myself. I am merely the instrument of our people’s will.' 

 

“In fact, the whole reason I am here is the people made a collective commitment – one in which I am playing my role, but will hopefully continue even after I step down from office," the President said.

 

Valte said the President likewise met with the Japan Business Confederation, where he highlighted opportunities for Japanese businessmen in the Philippines. – VS, GMA News