Japan International Cooperation Agency President Tanaka Akihiko makes a courtesy call on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Presidential Communications Office)
MANILA, Philippines — The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) guaranteed that it will continue supporting the Philippines, particularly in disaster risk reduction efforts.
In a courtesy call on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, JICA President Tanaka Akihiko expressed sympathy for the Philippines following a series of typhoons that claimed many lives and caused extensive damage to various sectors.
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“First of all, I would like to extend our condolences to the victims of the series of typhoons,” he said.
Photo courtesy of Presidential Communications Office
Akihiko noted that, as Japan is also a country frequently affected by monsoon typhoons, the recent devastation in the Philippines “forced us to continue our collaborative work in disaster risk reduction.”
“On this occasion, we think you, Mr. President, have some observations about how to tackle these types of natural disasters and what sort of things that you consider JICA can be part of your work, that will be extremely appreciated,” he also said.
Marcos, for his part, emphasized that flood control and water management has become an issue due to recent typhoons.
“The water management problem came before. Even before, when I was still in local government,” he said.
JICA plays an important role in some of the Philippines’ major infrastructure projects. It provided a soft loan for a part of major components of the recently opened Light Rail Transit Line 1 Cavite Extension.