NEWS

MANILA — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Philippines has conducted a review meeting to discuss activity progress, implementation challenges and the action plan for projects under JICA portfolio.

In his report to Secretary Mark A. Villar, Undersecretary for Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations Emil K. Sadain said that the meeting with JICA Philippines officials led by Chief Representative Azukizawa Eigo, provided the opportunity for review and assessment of Japan-assisted key on-going and new pipeline infrastructure projects under the President Rodrigo Roa Duterte administration in support of the Build, Build, Build program.

Secretary Villar lauded the conduct of review and assessment of projects funded by the Government of Japan either in the form of grant or loan agreement for the sustainability of achievements and replication of its lesson-learnt.

Earlier, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa during his courtesy visit to Secretary Villar at the DPWH Central Office last December 2020 has assured to continue the robust PH-Japan bilateral relations in accelerating infrastructure development which will be most critical in our country’s recovery from the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Towards the continued economic cooperation and friendship between the two countries, Japan through JICA has committed to extend technical assistance for 13 high impact projects under DPWH implementation.

At the meeting, Undersecretary Sadain presented the overall progress of the 13 Japan-assisted high impact infrastructure projects namely: Arterial (Plaridel) Road Bypass Project Phase 3; Central Luzon Link Expressway; Programme for the Support to Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Marawi City and Its Surrounding Areas; Flood Risk Management Project for Cagayan De Oro River; Flood Risk Management Project for Cagayan River, Tagoloan River and Imus River; Davao City Bypass Construction Project; Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project; Road Network Development Project in Conflict Affected Areas in Mindanao; Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project Phase 4; Cavite Industrial Area Flood Management Project; Cebu-Mactan Bridge (4th) and Coastal Road Construction Project; Dalton Pass East Alignment Road Project; and Parañaque Spillway/Tunnel Project.

Through new and on-going infrastructure projects of JICA, Philippines’ leading ODA partner, many jobs are created that give boost to the economy, said Undersecretary Sadain.

The portfolio review meeting held at JICA Philippines Office in Makati City was also attended by officers and staff from UPMO Roads Management Cluster 1 headed by Project Director Virgilio Castillo, Flood Control Management Cluster headed by Project Director Ramon Ariola, and Bridges Management Cluster headed by Project Director Rodrigo Delos Reyes who are all involved in the management of JICA-assisted projects.

Upon the invitation to Secretary Villar by JICA Philippines Chief Representative Azukizawa Eigo, the DPWH-UPMO being the Department’s key implementing unit of 13 high impact projects under Official Development Assistance (ODA) of Japan is also set to participate in the upcoming web-based seminar entitled Disbursement Seminar on February 26 and March 1, 2021.

This seminar to be handled by the team from Loans and Grants Administrative Division of JICA Headquarters will facilitate better DPWH appreciation of the terms and conditions for ODA loans and loan agreement which are relevant to disbursement. (DPWH)

Source: Philippine Information Agency