In an era marked by shifting geopolitical alliances and rapid technological advancements, the enduring partnership between Japan and the Philippines stands out as a beacon of stability and mutual growth. Central to this relationship is the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) which is the sole responsible Japanese government agency in charge of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) implementation. JICA has been instrumental in fostering quality growth, human security, and peace in Mindanao. As such, JICA has been proactively working with various Philippine counterparts in various fields for the development and prosperity of the Philippines. Why is JICA so positive? What are JICA’s actions and thoughts?
A Historical Perspective
Japan launched its ODA in the Philippines back in 1954, making it the oldest recipient of Japan’s ODA worldwide. This long-standing relationship began with technical transfer training and inviting Filipino officials to Japan. Sakamoto Takema, JICA’s Chief Representative in the Philippines, highlights the significance of this history: “Since 1954, Japan has accumulated a vast array of cooperation activities in the Philippines, showcasing our long-standing partnership.”
The formal launch of JICA’s current operations was in the 1960s, marking a new era of structured and expansive cooperation. Over the decades, JICA’s role has evolved, encompassing a wide range of activities including the provision of yen loans, dispatching experts, receiving trainees, Public-Private Partnership (PPP) promotion, and supporting volunteer programs, among others.
Mutual Understanding and Respect
In addition to cooperation programs for quality growth such as infrastructure development, one of the cornerstone programs of JICA is its volunteer program, which directly promotes mutual understanding and respect, especially among younger generations. Japanese volunteers are dispatched to grassroots communities, staying together, thinking together, and working together with local Filipinos. This program not only facilitates mutual learning to address various development challenges but also strengthens the cultural and social ties between the two nations.
Moreover, in times of emergency, JICA has demonstrated its strong commitment to the Philippines by being the first to dispatch special rescue teams or to send emergency response goods. The swift response during disasters such as the Pinatubo eruption and Typhoon Yolanda exemplifies the heart-to-heart ties and mutual support that define the Japan-Philippines relationship.
A Broad Spectrum of Cooperation
JICA’s involvement in the Philippines is extensive, with over 100 ongoing projects across the country. This includes significant infrastructure projects such as the North South commuter railway project in the Greater Capital Region, which spans over 150 kilometers and represents the first semi-highspeed railway in the Philippines. “Everywhere you go in the Philippines, you can see the impacts of JICA,” notes Sakamoto.
Financial cooperation has also been a very salient key aspect of JICA’s support, with the total reaching over 4 trillion Japanese yen (about $25 billion). This financial cooperation is complemented by technical cooperation, with over 42,000 Filipino officials trained in Japan and almost 1,700 volunteers dispatched to the Philippines.
Empowering Filipino Partners
A unique aspect of JICA’s approach is its emphasis on empowering Filipino partners. “Our key philosophy is that we are not the project owners. The driver’s seat should be occupied by our Filipino partners,” Sakamoto explains. “Share tips on how to fish, rather than give a fish.” This philosophy ensures that the projects are not only sustainable, but also culturally and contextually appropriate and replicable.
JICA’s collaboration extends to various sectors, including disaster resilience, where it advocates for proactive prior measures to minimize damage. For instance, JICA supports disaster education programs in Cebu in cooperation with Japan’s NGO and LGU, which has a wealth of experience in disaster preparedness following the major earthquakes in Japan.
Building Trust and Cooperation
Trust is an unwavering cornerstone of JICA’s operations. A survey by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute highlighted Japan as the most trusted country by ASEAN, reflecting the positive impact of JICA’s initiatives. This trust is further reinforced by high-level visits, such as Prime Minister Kishida’s visit to the Philippines in November 2023, which emphasized the principles of Japan and JICA: heart-to-heart ties and partnership.
“Japan is considered one of the most trusted countries by ASEAN, a testament to our successful cooperation through JICA,” Sakamoto proudly states. This trust is a result of consistent and impactful joint cooperation over the years.
Future Prospects and Continued Collaboration
As JICA and the Philippines celebrate their 70th anniversary of cooperation, there is a strong commitment to further expanding and deepening this partnership. “In celebrating 70 years of cooperation, we advocate for continuous and expanded collaboration, always rooted in heart-to-heart ties,” says Sakamoto.
JICA’s future endeavours include supporting the Philippine government’s ambitious infrastructure projects, promoting quality growth, human security, and the Mindanao peace process. With the Philippines listed among the top recipients of JICA’s ODA, the focus remains on those areas.
The current administration’s 8-point agenda, which emphasizes job creation and leveraging the demographic dividend, aligns well with JICA’s goals. For example, infrastructure development and disaster risk reduction, which are essential for further investment and job opportunities, are critical areas where JICA’s expertise can make a significant impact.
Additionally, JICA is keen to support the private sector, encouraging investments that can drive economic growth, job opportunities, and improve quality of life.
Conclusion
As much as the Philippines is fazed by various serious development challenges such poor infrastructure development, high social disparity, vulnerability to natural disasters, and the critical Mindanao peace process, doors of opportunities for collaboration continue to open. In this context, international support is crucial, and JICA is expected to be the most reliable partner.
The Japan-Philippines partnership, underpinned by JICA’s extensive and multifaceted support, stands as a model of international cooperation. As both nations look toward the future, the principles of mutual respect, trust, and shared growth continue to guide their collaborative efforts. Sakamoto’s words resonate deeply: “The Philippines’ development is crucial for the prosperity of Japan, too, reflecting our interconnected futures.”
The steadfast partnership between Japan and the Philippines, nurtured by JICA, promises a future of sustained growth, resilience, and shared prosperity. In this ever-evolving global landscape, it is a win-win game.