The Philippines has reaffirmed its collaboration with the Japanese government to advance infrastructure development in the country, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
During the 3rd Workshop on Technical and Business Cooperation for Road Construction and the Operation & Maintenance of Road Tunnels and Related Facilities last week, DPWH senior undersecretary Emil Sadain noted the workshop’s significance in enhancing technical expertise and applying best practices to ensure that the Philippines’ infrastructure remains functional and resilient for generations.
“Through continuous collaboration, Japan has significantly contributed to Philippine infrastructure development. Our Japanese partners’ expertise ensures that future projects adhere to the highest standards of quality and sustainability,” said Sadain in a statement over the weekend.
The workshop presented Japan’s cutting-edge technologies, global engineering practices and innovative solutions for the construction, operation and maintenance of roads, expressways and tunnels.
It also covered topics on maintaining long-span bridges, large-scale repairs, and renewals of expressways, emphasizing their importance in combating climate challenges and ensuring public safety.
“DPWH and JICA have been steadfast partners with a long history of working together. Relative to today’s agenda, JICA is currently supporting many flagship projects,” Takema Sakamoto, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) chief representative, said in his speech.
These projects include the Davao City bypass road, Dalton Pass East alignment road, Cebu-Mactan fourth bridge and coastal road, and Metro Manila priority bridges seismic improvement.
These projects involve long tunnels, long-span bridges, and rehabilitation and reconstruction of existing major bridges, using Japan’s technology, know-how and experience, Sakamoto added.
Alongside these hard infrastructure projects, JICA is also providing support for capacity development, also known as “soft measures.”
JICA is providing dispatch of road planning and management advisor to DPWH, project for capacity development of road structure and large-scale bridge, replacement and rehabilitation, project for road disaster prevention on mountainous roads, and scholarship program in Japan for core human resource development for road asset management.
“For the government, it is essential to foster an environment that encourages private sectors’ engagement, based on the concept of fair responsibility sharing, contractual commitment and open communication, which can build full trust and confidence in the market. Providing transparent processes, ensuring timely issuance of permits, securing project sites without concerns of delays in land acquisition, and guaranteeing timely payment through sufficient budget allocation, are fundamental steps to facilitate private sector participation,” Sakamoto said.
During the sidelines of the workshop, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan received from MLIT Assistant Vice Minister Hashimoto Masamichi the FY2023 International Lifetime Contribution Award from the Japan Society of Civil Engineers.
Bonoan is the first Filipino and sole non-Japanese recipient of the award, which noted his exceptional leadership and contributions to fostering Philippine-Japan technical cooperation.
The award included a medal featuring a crystal bird in flight, symbolizing the recipient’s remarkable achievements in civil engineering. By leveraging the convergence of technical expertise, the Philippines is poised to develop stronger, more resilient infrastructure, paving the way for sustained economic growth and stability, DPWH said.
