My warmest greetings to The Japan Times as you publish your 2026 Philippines Report. In collaboration with Bridges.

For the past seven decades, Japan has been among the Philippines’ most steadfast and strategic partners. This report chronicles a relationship that has consistently transformed aspiration into quality infrastructure, capital into industries, trade into shared prosperity, and people-to-people exchanges into a foundation of trust that endures across generations.

Ours is a partnership anchored not only in history, but in a shared determination to shape the future of both our peoples through innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.

As the Philippines assumes the Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2026, we do so as a nation ready to lead because we stand with partners like Japan who build with us in mutual respect and common purpose.

We will count on Japan’s support as we take on this Chairmanship and advance deeper regional connectivity, more resilient and diversified supply chains, greater economic integration, and a rules-based order that safeguards peace, stability, and opportunity for all.

We look forward to even greater opportunities to deepen our partnership with Japan and our ASEAN neighbors as we continue the hard work of building a more innovative, investment-driven, and future-ready Philippine economy.

Rest assured that the Philippine government stands ready to listen, to respond, and to grow with our friends and partners so that, together, we realize the vision of a truly prosperous Bagong Pilipinas that the Filipino people deserve.

FERDINAND R. MARCOS JR.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES
April 2026