Marcos: Japan played indispensable role in PH economic dev't

In his address before the National Diet or the National Legislature of Japan on Thursday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. acknowledged Japan’s role in the Philippines’ economic development, going as far back as the normalization of their diplomatic relations in 1956.

“Japan has played an indispensable role in the Philippines’ economic journey,” the President said.

“It is consistently among our top trading partners, a leading source of foreign direct investment, and our largest provider of development assistance – supporting infrastructure, connectivity, and human development that have transformed lives across our archipelago,” he added.

Marcos made similar remarks in his brief speech at the state banquet hosted by Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace the day before.

In his toast remarks, the President also hailed Japan as among Manila’s “most valued partners in advancing development, security, infrastructure, agriculture, connectivity, and resilience.”

“Across offices, classrooms, factories, laboratories, and communities, the bonds between our two peoples strengthen the foundation of our friendship and build better bridges of understanding,” Marcos said.

He added: “Whether in seasons of abundance and hardship, Japan has consistently stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Filipino people, extending solidarity and assistance at the right moments to reassure us that we have a friend we can always count on. Certainly, that spirit will not waver for the future.”

Before his address to Japanese lawmakers on Thursday, the Chief Executive met with Tanaka Akihiko, president of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The meeting was aimed at strengthening the development cooperation of the Philippines and Japan, particularly in infrastructure modernization, healthcare, climate action, and peace and development initiatives in Mindanao.

JICA delivers the bulk of Japan’s overseas development assistance (ODA), which the Philippines has benefited from over the years. The Metro Manila Subway Project, for example, is mostly funded by overseas development assistance (ODA) loans from the JICA.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Japan accounts for around $13.959 billion or 33.54 percent of the Philippines’ total ODA portfolio as of December 2025.

As of May 18, 2026, JICA is supporting 26 ongoing ODA loan projects in the Philippines valued at Y1.94 trillion or about $12.16 billion. Of these, 13 loans amounting to Y932.01 billion were signed during the Marcos administration.

The Philippines has completed 295 ODA loan projects with Japan amounting to Y2.66 trillion, reflecting decades of close bilateral cooperation.

Aside from loans, JICA is supporting a total of 47 grants amounting to Y45.17 billion or about $288.93 million as of December 2025.

Of this, 23 grants totaling Y9.55 billion or about $60.19 million were signed during the current administration. — JMA, GMA News