THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have strengthened cooperation on the implementation of major infrastructure projects on road networks, bridges, and flood control facilities.

DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan led the Philippine government delegation at the Business Matching Event organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Philippines Office last September 13 in Makati City.

In his message, Bonoan expressed gratitude for the invaluable support extended by the Japanese government to finance several infrastructure flagship projects of DPWH that are aligned with the Build Better More agenda of the President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

JICA-financed projects not only transform the country’s infrastructure landscape but also foster stronger bilateral relations between the Philippines and Japan, said Bonoan.

JICA remains a major partner in the Philippines’ infrastructure development, acting as the principal financier of several official development assistance (ODA) projects.

In a press release, the DPWH said two flagship projects are considered priorities in the current administration’s mega-bridge initiative.

These include the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge, now in the civil works procurement stage, and the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridges, currently undergoing detailed engineering design.

Significant progress has been made on several ongoing and recently completed JICA-financed initiatives such as road networks, bridges, and flood control facilities aimed at enhancing national infrastructure.

These include the Arterial Road Bypass Project in Bulacan, Flood Risk Management Project for the Cagayan de Oro River, Central Luzon Link Expressway, Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project (Phase IV), Cavite Industrial Area Flood Management Program, and Davao City Bypass Construction Project, among others.

Pre-construction projects include the Metro Manila Priority Bridges for Seismic Improvement the Guadalupe and Lambingan bridges and the Dalton Pass East Alignment road project.

In addition, the Parañaque Spillway/Tunnel project, EDSA Transport road network rehabilitation project, Second San Juanico bridge project, and Davao City Flood control and drainage project are under proposal stages.