The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is moving forward with seven new projects worth an estimated P525.4 billion.
DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain told a high-level meeting with Japanese parliamentarians on August 27 the projects include the Parañaque Spillway/Tunnel, the second San Juanico Bridge, rehabilitation of the EDSA transport road network, the Central Mindanao high-standard highway, the Davao City flood control and drainage system and the Pasig-Marikina River channel improvement.
The projects are at various stages of feasibility study, detailed engineering design and loan processing.
The P19.7-billion EDSA rehabilitation is undergoing updated feasibility and design reviews, while flagship projects such as the 2.3-kilometer Davao City bypass tunnel—the country’s first long-distance road tunnel—showcase how Japanese cooperation is reshaping the Philippines’ infrastructure landscape, Sadain said.
“Through our partnership with Japan, we are seeing tangible progress for a future-ready Philippines,” he said, adding that JICA’s support aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas vision.
The Japanese delegation at the Hotel Okura Manila was led by Obuchi Yuko, chairperson of the Parliamentary Group of JICA, alongside six other parliamentarians.
They were joined by Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya, JICA Senior Vice President Oba Yuichi, and JICA Philippines Chief Representative Baba Takashi.
DPWH also reported five completed projects worth P61.5 billion, including the Marawi rehabilitation support program, road upgrading initiatives and several flood risk management projects.
Six projects valued at P188.8 billion are under construction, such as the Central Luzon Link Expressway and Metro Manila’s seismic bridge improvements. Three other projects costing P147.8 billion, including the Cebu-Mactan fourth bridge and coastal road, are in advanced stages of design.
With Japan’s continued backing, DPWH said its collaboration with JICA will be critical to advancing resilient and sustainable infrastructure under the government’s “Build Better More” program.
