Japan, Philippines Ink Deal for 3 Infrastructure Projects

MANILA, Philippines — The Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have signed three technical cooperation projects covering EDSA bridge rehabilitation, urban drainage management in Buendia-Maricaban, and road tunnel development. The team formalized the three projects by signing the Records of Discussion on Sept. 2. READ: Marcos meets Jica president to strengthen ties on infra, health, climate As part of the cooperation, Jica will dispatch technical experts and provide counterpart training in Japan for officials from the DPWH, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and participating local government units. “The three projects will strengthen DPWH’s capacity in planning and implementing infrastructure interventions, integrated urban drainage planning and flood risk management through improved technical expertise, data-driven decision-making, and adoption of appropriate technologies, contributing to safer, more resilient, and sustainable public infrastructure,” Jica said. First, the Project for Capacity Development of Road Structures and Large-Scale Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation (LBRR), under which Jica will provide the DPWH with technical knowledge and expertise to support the rehabilitation of aging bridge infrastructure along EDSA. Additionally, the project will include the formulation of an evidence-based LBRR Plan, the deployment of Japanese experts, and the provision of equipment for bridge inspection, diagnosis, repair and maintenance. Also covered by the cooperation is the Project for Strengthening Urban Drainage Management Capacity in the Philippines (TCP Urban Drainage), which will focus on reducing flood risks in the Buendia-Maricaban drainage area. Meanwhile, Jica coordinates its ongoing flood control cooperation in the Pasig-Marikina River Basin with the Buendia-Maricaban project to align drainage improvements with broader flood management strategies and flood mitigation measures. READ: Edsa rehab phase 1 set for completion in July The Project for Capacity Building for Comprehensive Development and Management of Road Tunneling Projects in the Philippines will support improvements in planning systems, engineering and construction practices, as well as the operation and maintenance of road tunneling projects. Already, Jica is supporting tunnel-related infrastructure projects in the Philippines, including the Davao City Bypass Construction Project and the Dalton Pass East Alignment Road Project. While technical cooperation does not involve grants or loans, Japan remains the Philippines’ largest source of official development assistance (ODA). In 2025, Japan supported 91 projects amounting to $14 billion. /pai