Japan lists 80 dev't projects in new Philippine ODA map

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on Friday released its new official development assistance (ODA) map which details the bilateral aid agency's ongoing development cooperation projects supporting the Philippines' economic recovery amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement, JICA said its new ODA map lists about 80 cooperation projects that the Japanese aid agency implements with various government agencies and local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines.

The ODA projects are in areas such as governance, economic infrastructure, investment promotion and economic development, disaster risk reduction and management, agriculture and agribusiness development, environment and energy, health and social development as well as initiatives for peace and development in Mindanao.

Among the notable projects in the ODA map are the Metro Manila Subway project Phase 1, North-South Commuter Railway project, and the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 Rehabilitation project, Capacity Enhancement for Mass Transit Systems in Metro Manila, and assistance for the Philippine Railway Institute (PRI).

“Japan’s ODA in the Philippines accounts for 36.44% or US$11 billion of the Philippines’ total ODA in 2020. This is testament to the trusted bilateral relations between JICA and the Philippines and our collective goal to overcome not just the pandemic challenges, but also to support the rule of law, and economic prosperity through infrastructure, connectivity, and regional peace and stability,” said JICA chief representative Azukizawa Eigo.

In 2020 alone, JICA said the total value of its programs implemented in the Philippines amounted to ¥145 billion.

Further, to support the Philippine healthcare system and COVID-19 response management, JICA said it is also implementing health and social development projects to benefit sectors such as Filipino young professionals in government, children in residential care facilities, local communities as well as in areas such as rehabilitation and treatment of illegal drug users, and other public health issues such as rabies prevention.

The Japanese aid agency added that the ongoing cooperation aligns with the Philippine government’s socio-economic priorities under the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Since the 1960s, JICA said it has been supporting the Philippines’ inclusive and sustainable growth through the building and rehabilitation of some 2,200 kilometers of roads as well as flood control projects and hospitals.

Further, more than 25,300 farmer beneficiaries were assisted through JICA’s assistance.

In Mindanao, small-scale infrastructure projects were also constructed in conflict-affected areas since 2013.

Likewise, JICA said it also supports the Philippines’ human resource development through capacity building of over 42,000 Filipinos over the years.

“We will continue to work with the Philippines in mutually beneficial ways to ensure a better future for all,” Azukizawa said. —KBK, GMA News