From August 27 to 29, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Parliamentary League, headed by its chairperson and member of the House of Representatives Obuchi Yuko, visited the Philippines to participate in the 60th anniversary ceremony of the JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV).

The Philippines is a host country for 60 years with over 1,700 volunteers working in various fields. The JICA Parliamentary League is also in the Philippines to observe the progress of Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects in the country.

On August 28, the JICA Parliamentary League visited the CP103 section of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) in Camp Aguinaldo to inspect the construction progress.

This project is implemented under the scheme of JICA’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) yen loan and the Promotion of Utilizing Japanese Technology (STEP) program. In the Metro Manila area, traffic congestion is worsening due to population growth, significantly impacting the Philippines' international competitiveness.

On August 29, the JICA Parliamentary League inspected the Light Rail Transit (LRT) depot and held an exchange of opinions with Sumitomo Corporation and JICA.

Last year, Sumitomo Corporation, Hankyu Railway Co., Ltd., and JICA signed investment-related agreements for the operation and maintenance of the Manila Light Rail Transit System Line 1 (LRT Line 1), which runs north to south through Metro Manila.

This project marks the first overseas investment in railway operation and maintenance for both JICA and Hankyu Railway, boosting the overseas expansion of high-quality infrastructure projects by Japanese companies. By further improving the convenience and safety of LRT Line 1, this project contributes to strengthening Metro Manila's transportation network.

This eases traffic congestion, improves living environments, and reduces economic losses, thereby contributing to the Philippines' economic development.

Japan has long been the largest ODA provider to the Philippines and will continue to strongly support major railway projects, including the Metro Manila Subway and LRT Line 1. As Japan and the Philippines approach the 70th anniversary of the normalization of their diplomatic relations in 2026, these projects are expected to further deepen the friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Japan Information and Culture Center

Story 5

Ambassador Endo Kazuya attends Ringing of World Peace Bell to launch National Peace Consciousness Month

On September 1, Ambassador Endo Kazuya attended the Ringing of the "World Peace Bell" ceremony hosted by the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).

The event, held at the Quezon Memorial Circle, was attended by several government officials and members of the diplomatic corps, including Presidential Advisor for Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr., Bangsamoro Attorney General Bantuas Lucman, Quezon City Vice Mayor Gian Carlo Sotto, and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative, Baba Takashi.

During his remarks, Ambassador Endo emphasized that Japan has followed the founding principles of the United Nations (UN), which was established 80 years ago, as a peace-loving nation.

He also highlighted how Japan has taken steps to advance peacebuilding internationally, including in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Ambassador Endo also stated the importance of major stakeholders being united by a shared and forward-looking goal to promote lasting peace. He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to continue working hand-in-hand and side-by-side with the Philippines for a more peaceful and prosperous future of the region and beyond.

September is designated as National Peace Consciousness Month in the Philippines, and the "World Peace Bell" is rung every September 1 to mark its commencement.

Japan Information and Culture Center