IN PHOTOS: Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto met with senior officials of the Japan International Cooperation Agency JICA Philippines on June 20, 2024 in Tokyo to discuss key cooperation projects including railway, maritime security, and development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

JICA Senior Vice President Mikio Hataeda praised the Philippine economic managers for their excellent macroeconomic management, noting the Philippines’ outstanding economic performance among its Southeast Asian peers.

To address JICA’s concern on land acquisition for Japan-supported infrastructure projects, Secretary Recto shared that a bill reforming the right-of-way rules is underway, which will make it easier for the government to acquire land for road and transportation projects.

Additionally, the government has recently established an inter-agency committee to oversee right-of-way activities for railway projects, expediting the land acquisition process.

JICA welcomed these developments, expressing reassurance in the government’s proactive efforts to address the issue.

Meanwhile, the senior officials informed Secretary Recto about a recent investment agreement with JICA, Sumitomo Corporation, and Hankyu Corporation for the operation and maintenance of the LRT-1. This marks Hankyu Corporation’s first overseas investment in the said area.

Secretary Recto thanked JICA for supporting the development of the country’s railway sector through knowledge-sharing and technology transfer, and encouraged more Japanese investments in the Philippines.

JICA also reiterated its support for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the BARMM region to ensure peace, security, and development.

Other key JICA officials present included Deputy Director General for Southeast Asia and Pacific Department Yuko Tanaka, Director Takehiro Kido, Deputy Director Kota Murakami, and Assistant Director Takeshi Suzuki.

Accompanying Secretary Recto were Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano and Department of Finance (DOF) Undersecretaries Maria Luwalhati Dorotan-Tiuseco, Charlito Martin Mendoza, Catherine L. Fong, Rolando G. Tungpalan, and Domini S. Velasquez.