MANILA, Philippines— The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has made vital contributions to Philippine development, particularly in infrastructure and transportation, Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito said on Wednesday in his co-sponsorship of Senate Resolution No. 673, which honors the agency.
Ejercito highlighted Japan’s role as the Philippines’ largest source of Official Development Assistance (ODA), with loan and grant commitments reaching around $13.96 billion as of December 2025, or 33.54 percent of the country’s total ODA portfolio.
“But more than the amount, what matters is what these investments actually do for our people — how they change lives for the better,” Ejercito said.
“I have always pushed for better mass transportation and long-term infrastructure planning. And in this area, JICA has been the most dedicated partner of the Philippines,” he added, referring to the Metro Manila Subway and the North-South Commuter Railway.
READ: Ejercito checks on major Metro Manila railway projects
According to Ejercito, Metro Manila Subway will have 17 stations across six cities and is expected to reduce travel time from Valenzuela to Parañaque to around 46 minutes.
He also noted the steady progress of the North-South Commuter Railway following the arrival of the third and fourth trainsets. When fully operational, he said the 147-kilometer railway is expected to serve around 800,000 passengers daily.
“These figures are impressive, but for commuters, the impact is much simpler. Less time stuck in traffic means more time with the family. Easier access to work and school. Faster movement of people and goods,” he said,
Expanding the railway network beyond Metro Manila will open up more areas to jobs, businesses, and investments, he added.
Aside from infrastructure, Ejercito also commended JICA’s cooperation with the Philippines in other areas, including health, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, human resource development, local governance, peace and development efforts in Mindanao, and other programs.
READ: Ejercito renews push for long-term infra master plan
Ejercito then reiterated his call for a long-term infrastructure masterplan, saying the progress of these projects underscores the need for continuity and sound planning.
“Major infrastructure projects take years, sometimes decades, to complete. They should not depend on political terms or change direction every time there is a new administration. We need continuity, sound planning, and projects based on what the country actually needs,” he said. /atm