The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has acknowledged the role of Japan for helping fund nearly P1 trillion worth of infrastructure projects in the Philippines.
It noted the robust partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), following a high-level meeting with Japanese parliamentarians on Aug. 27, 2025.
DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain, who oversees projects funded through official development assistance (ODA), thanked the Japanese delegation.
Sadain said the collaboration, through JICA, aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “Bagong Pilipinas” vision to improve the nation’s infrastructure.
“Through the partnership with the Government of Japan via JICA, we are seeing tangible progress for a future-ready Philippines, such as the Davao City Bypass Construction Project, which includes the country’s first long-distance road tunnel system,” said Sadain.
The Japanese delegation was led by Obuchi Yuko, chairperson of the Parliamentary Group of JICA and a member of the House of Representatives. She was joined by six other members of the Parliamentary League: Takeuchi Yuzuru, Nakatani Shinichi, Suzuki Takako, Kaneko Emi, Ejima Kiyoshi and Sakurai Shu.
Also in attendance were Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya, JICA senior vice president Oba Yuichi and JICA Philippines chief representative Baba Takashi.
Other Philippine government officials were present, including Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant Ronnie Gavan, Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Undersecretary Joseph Capuno and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Undersecretary Rolando Toledo.
Sadain provided updates on 21 JICA-assisted projects within the DPWH portfolio. These includes five completed projects, with a combined cost of P61.468 billion, including the Programme for the Support to the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Marawi City (Grant Aid) and the Flood Risk Management Projects for the Cagayan, Tagoloan and Imus Rivers (FRIMP-CTI).
Six projects are under construction, valued at P188.75 billion, including the Davao City Bypass Construction Project and the Metro Manila Priority Bridges for Seismic Improvement.
Three projects costing P147.82 billion are in the civil works phase, including the Cebu-Mactan 4th Bridge and Coastal Road. The detailed engineering design for the proposed Dalton Pass East Alignment Road is also in procurement.
Seven new projects, with an estimated cost of P525.365 billion, are in various preparatory stages, including feasibility studies and loan processing.
These include the Parañaque Spillway/Tunnel Project with completed feasibility; 2nd San Juanico Bridge Project with ongoing FS/preparatory survey covered by grant; EDSA Transport Road Network Rehabilitation Project for FS and DED updating; Central Mindanao High Standard Highway Construction Project (11.73-kilometer section of Cagayn De Oro – Malaybalay Section); Davao City Flood Control and Drainage Project with on-going preparatory study; Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project, Phase VI now under on-going technical grant study; and rehabilitation/reconstruction/improvement and operation and maintenance of Kennon Road with on-going pre-FS.
The strategic collaboration between JICA, DPWH and other relevant government agencies is expected to be crucial in delivering resilient and sustainable projects under the “Build Better More” program, said Sadain.
