JICA Philippines

20/01/2025

LOOK: JICA Supports DICT’s Initiative in strengthening Cybersecurity policies for better governance!

JICA and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Cybersecurity Bureau successfully conducted a 3-day Policy Development Training for government personnel, aimed at enhancing PH government’s capacity to design, implement, and manage effective cybersecurity policies.

JICA continues to strengthen its support to the DICT project on Capacity Enhancement for Cybersecurity. ICT Expert Mr. Tola Vong, working on a JICA-supported project for improving cyber resilience with the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications in Cambodia, shared his knowledge on cybersecurity policies.

The comprehensive training covered essential topics, including:
1. Learning different types of policies and steps to develop policies
2. Identifying risks and creating policies to handle them effectively
3. Choosing the right cybersecurity measures
4. Applying policies into action and keeping them effective

Through this collaboration, the JICA-DICT Cybersecurity Project aims to empower its counterparts from various government agencies to establish resilient cybersecurity frameworks that will ensure the safety and security of digital infrastructure and public services.

JICA is proud to work together with the country’s Cybersecurity personnel towards building a more secure and innovative Philippines!

17/01/2025

👉🏼LOOK: Unique flood disaster education for high school students using 3D City Model and Minecraft introduced in Cavite!

As part of the non-structural measures of the Cavite Industrial Area Flood Risk Management Project (CIA-FRIMP), a collaboration between JICA and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), a two-day Information, Education, Communication (IEC) campaign was conducted on January 15-16, 2025 in Emiliano Tria Tirona Memorial National Integrated High School (ETTMNIHS), Kawit, Cavite.

Associate Professor ONO Keisuke from Tohoku Institute of Technology, Japan conducted a Disaster Education Activity to prepare ETTMNIHS students for flooding using 3D City Model and Minecraft.

The learning activities included a lecture and hands-on computer training for about 900 Grade 7 students to learn about the hazards posed by flood inundation in a virtual 3D world. One of the students commented that the JICA project would enable them to safely go to school as they are more equipped with knowledge on disaster preparedness.

Today, January 17, 2025, marks the 30th anniversary of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, which devastated Kobe, Osaka, and the surrounding areas of Japan. As Japan and the Philippines are among the most disaster-prone countries, JICA commits to continuously work with the Philippine government to mitigate disaster risks and build a more resilient society by leveraging Japanese experience and technology.

To know more about the Project, visit their page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089584921582&sk=about

16/01/2025

🚇 𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗕𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲 (𝗧𝗕𝗠) 𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽 𝗔𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗱𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗮 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 (𝗠𝗠𝗦𝗣) 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱! 🎊

Another significant milestone has been achieved in the MMSP with the ceremonial launching of the TBM at the Camp Aguinaldo Station in Quezon City.

The event was attended by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary for Railways Jeremy Regino, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner Jr., Philippine Army BGen Armand M. Arevalo, together with Embassy of Japan Economic Minister NIHEI Daisuke and JICA Chief Representative SAKAMOTO Takema.

Also present were officials from Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Co., Ltd. who signed the contract with DOTr for this civil works package in November 2022 with the presence of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

This being the 5th TBM launched for MMSP, it serves as another building block for the first-ever subway line in the country, consistent with the “Build Better More” program of the Marcos administration, and the marching orders to go “full speed ahead”.

The MMSP Phase 1 is implemented with the funding of JICA’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), and is expected to be a game-changer that will help address public transport problems and perennial heavy traffic conditions in the Metro Manila upon its completion.

Check out some of the photos of TBM Initial Driving Ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo Station.

15/01/2025

⚖️ 𝘚𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥, 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘵 𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘬, 𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦𝘳, 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦.

Today, JICA, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC), the LGUs of Malabon City, Navotas City, Olongapo City, and Japanese non-profit organization, A Child’s Trust is Ours to Nurture (ACTION), launched a project to establish a Community-Based Juvenile Intervention Facilitator (CBJIF) system based on the Japan’s volunteer probation officer (HOGOSHI) system. This initiative aims to support Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) and Children at Risk (CAR) by implementing a community-based diversion program, ensuring they engage in meaningful activities and receive emotional support for reintegration into their communities.

This project will enhance LGUs' capacity to implement Comprehensive Local Juvenile Intervention Programs (CLJIPs), particularly in delivering effective diversion programs for CICL in Malabon City, Navotas City, and Olongapo City.

15/01/2025

🔴LIVE NOW: Witness the ceremonial signing of the partnership agreement for the GABAY Project: Establishing the Community-Based Juvenile Intervention Facilitator System for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) and Children At Risk (CAR) in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Region 3 (Central Luzon) today, Wednesday (January 15) at the DSWD Central Office’s New Press Center in Batasan, Quezon City.

The agreement will be signed by DSWD Secretary REX Gatchalian and representatives from the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and A Child Trust Is Ours to Nurture, Inc. (ACTION).

❤️

15/01/2025

Young Leaders are trailblazing sustainable energy initiatives! 💫

Filipino government personnel who participated in JICA’s Renewable Energy A program in Japan shared their achievements and action plan’s progress in a report back session held at JICA Philippines last week.

The program, implemented by JICA Tohoku and the Conference of Earth Environment from Akita, allowed 13 participating Young Leaders to obtain invaluable insights on Japan’s technological innovations and advancements in solar energy, waste-to-energy, and hydro energy to name a few. Furthermore, they also highlighted the critical role of financial institutions and investors, as well as the importance of co-existing with local communities to ensure that sustainable energy is embraced at all levels. And since their return five months ago, they have been implementing activities that drive these insights into tangible progress in their field.

“With Japan aiming for over 35% renewable energy by 2030 and over 50% by 2050, their efforts to promote low carbon emission for a sustainable future is just in alignment with what the Philippines is envisioning in the future. Our energy remains to gear towards affordable energy, resiliency, reliability, clean and sustainable energy for our beloved country,” said Mr. Mel Atienza (NEDA IV-B), their batch leader.

The Young Leaders have conducted re-echo sessions in the Department of Energy, National Economic and Development Authority, Development Bank of the Philippines, National Power Corporation, National Electrification Administration, National Transmission Corporation, Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation, and the Provincial Governments of Albay and Nueva Vizcaya to share information on how to sustainably harness renewable energy. And to further showcase their expertise and vision for the country’s future, they have presented in local power and investment summits and forums such as the Albay Renewable Energy and Investment Summit for Mr. Arnold Onrubia, and Dagyaw 2024: Usapang Enerhiya Sama Samang Paglunas sa Kakulangan ng Suplay ng Kuryente for Engr. Ray Manzano (NEA). Additionally, they have initiated benchmarking and feasibility studies on power generating facilities in their areas such as Ms. Joana Gamido (PGU – Nueva Vizcaya), while other trainees such as Ms. Ma. Margarette Rivera (REMB) and Mr. Felix Emanuel Shean (NTC) are involved in the Project on Resource Inventory of Hydropower Potential Sites in the Philippines by JICA and DOE.

The KCCP Young Leaders is one of the key short-term programs of JICA wherein trainees gain firsthand experience on Japan’s culture, sustainable technologies and innovative strategies for effectively addressing national concerns through collaborative discourse with Japanese experts and the community.

Check out photos of their report back session below:

28/12/2024

Announcement: JICA Philippines Office will be closed until January 5, 2025.

27/12/2024

As we celebrate National Volunteer Month this December, we recognize the remarkable role that the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) play as grassroots ambassadors who share their time, knowledge, and skills to make a difference in the lives of people in local communities.

Meet NISHIZAKI Kazuya, a marketing volunteer from Tokyo who assists A Child’s Trust is Ours to Nurture (ACTION), a non-government organization working for the welfare of children, with their public relations activities and fundraising efforts to ensure sustainability.

25/12/2024

25/12/2024

This holiday season, we reflect on and appreciate the successes we share with our development partners. Sending light and gratitude to all our Filipino friends during this meaningful time.

From JICA Philippines Office, have a warm and joyful holidays!

22/12/2024

As we celebrate National Volunteer Month this December, we recognize the remarkable role that the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) play as grassroots ambassadors who share their time, knowledge, and skills to make a difference in the lives of people in local communities.

Meet NAKAZAWA Naho, a math teacher with passion for enhancing basic math skills of elementary students in Cabatuan, Iloilo.

18/12/2024

As we celebrate National Volunteer Month this December, we recognize the remarkable role that the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) play as grassroots ambassadors who share their time, knowledge, and skills to make a difference in the lives of people in local communities.

Meet KINOSH*TA Tsuyoshi, an agriculturist who shares Japanese knowledge and techniques on organic farming to students at President Ramon Magsaysay State University (PRMSU) and small-scale farmers in Botolan, Zambales.

18/12/2024

𝗨𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗹𝗼𝗶𝗹𝗼 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗝𝗜𝗖𝗔-𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗥 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 🌟

The community-based Forestland Management Project (FMP) is an 11-year cooperation between JICA and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) implemented in three (3) major river basins of 📍Upper Magat and Cagayan, 📍 Pampanga, and 📍Jalaur.

In partnership with 149 People’s Organization (POs) and local government unites (LGU) in the provinces of Iloilo, Ifugao, Quirino, Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya, FMP has conducted reforestation activities to increase forest cover; provided PO capacity development to strengthen management capacity; established local enterprises development to increase household income; and constructed farm to market roads, pathways, concrete and hanging bridges, and irrigation pipeline system to aid in forest conservation efforts of upland communities.

JICA and DENR’s joint monitoring team visited the municipalities of Janiuay, Lambunao, and Calinog in Iloilo (Jalaur River Basin) to confirm project accomplishments thru discussion with 22 partner POs, communities, and LGUs.

👉13,027 hectares of new tree and agroforestry plantations
👉16.44% increase in vegetative cover (2015-2021 Geo-Spatial Data Analysis)
👉600kg of coffee beans per harvest/year

The FMP has also strengthened community bonds. The construction of agroforestry support facilities improved better access to basic social services such education, healthcare, and spurred economic activity for upland farmers. In one community in Marandig, Calinog, going to Iloilo City which is the regional center usually takes three days (round trip), is now reduced to less than six hours.

One of the villagers in Panuran, Janiuay, Mr. Jimmy Rapista said, "The FMP has improved my income and enabled me to send my three sons to university. My sons also want to be involved in forest conservation.“

Critical to this success was the collaboration with the community, not only at the national level. The FMP was able to achieve these results through close collaboration between DENR, local barangays and by reaching out to each and every person in the community. Forester Raul L. Lorilla, Regional Executive Director of DENR Region 6, said, "We need to change individuals to change the society."

DENR expressed their intention to continue to fully support communities and LGUs and even mainstream the FMP in their regular activities in the future.

JICA is proud to be a part of this success of strengthening local communities and building their confidence through the FMP. JICA will continue to cooperate with the Philippines from national to local level towards quality development of our forests.

17/12/2024

A JICA Scholar is pushing for digital intervention to tackle tuberculosis (TB)! 👨‍🎓

In our spotlight today is Mr. Juan Paolo Soriano, a scholar under Knowledge Co-Creation Program (KCCP) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Global Leaders Program, who completed his study in Japan this year. Through the International Public Policy Program (IPPP) of the International University of Japan (IUJ), he was “allowed to contribute to the ongoing efforts in achieving the SDGs, particularly SDG targets 3.3 on ending the TB epidemic, 9.1 on equitable infrastructure to support well-being, and 9.C on universal and affordable internet access.”

In his study, he investigated the relationship between internet access and annual TB incidence and discovered that the effect varies with the type of internet access mode—including internet pe*******on, fixed broadband internet subscriptions, and mobile phone subscriptions.

Mr. Soriano emphasized that, “In one year, I was able to accomplish my research and find evidence on how various internet access modes impact the spread of TB among 179 countries from 2006 to 2022.” It was found that a percentage increase in internet access reduces TB incidence by 9.275. As digital interventions for TB such as informative materials, video-observed therapy and SMS become more readily available, having stable and accessible internet allows people to educate themselves on TB. Soriano said that his research would not have been possible without the resources provided under his scholarship with JICA.

Stay tuned, as we will be featuring the rest of our notable KCCP graduates in the coming weeks!

For more information on KCCP, visit: https://www.jica.go.jp/Resource/philippine/english/activities/activity_01_05.html

17/12/2024

JICA receives recognition as PRI’s Institutional Partner ⭐️

JICA joined the Philippine Railways Institute (PRI) on its 5th Founding Anniversary celebration held recently. The PRI is the primary research and training arm for the railway sector of the Department of Transportation. It offers various training and certification courses to develop human resource capacity towards a safe, secure, reliable, and efficient railway transportation system.

“From people to people exchange thru our technical cooperation project (TCP) and counterpart training in Japan, stimulating new partnerships between Philippine and Japanese Railway organizations, and the establishment of PRI, JICA and PRI’s partnership is truly immeasurable, and we sincerely hope that it will be an enduring and exemplary symbol of cooperation between JICA and the Philippines. We have witnessed the growth of PRI from a plan or an aspiration to fully becoming the training and research leader of the Philippine Railway Industry,” said FUKUI Keisuke, Senior Representative of JICA Philippines Office.

DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista and Undersecretary Anneli R. Lontoc led the ceremonies and the awarding and recognition for railway operators and institutional partners including JICA.

Prior to its official establishment in 2019, JICA already commenced a five-year TCP in 2018 where experts from several Japanese Railway Organizations were dispatched to assist Philippine Counterparts in the crafting of policies, guidelines, training curriculum, etc. PRI’s new headquarter building at Valenzuela City, which is currently under construction, is funded thru JICA’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) Loan.

The Project with PRI demonstrates JICA’s “hard and soft” approach in improving transportation systems by developing human resource capacity to complement its funding assistance for the construction of the North South Commuter Railway System and the Metro Manila Subway Project.

16/12/2024

As we celebrate National Volunteer Month this December, we recognize the remarkable role that the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) play as grassroots ambassadors who share their time, knowledge, and skills to make a difference in the lives of people in local communities.

Meet KAMEHAMA Chihiro, a special needs education teacher from Okinawa who volunteers in a public school in Oton, Iloilo, supporting children and adults with disabilities by teaching them skills so they can live independently.

16/12/2024

𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗦𝗪𝗗🤝

JICA joined the Partnership Forum hosted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) with the theme “Moving Policy to Action” last December 5, 2024 at One Ayala, Makati City. The discussion focused on fostering collaboration among relevant stakeholders in the areas of Social Protection, Child Protection, as well as Digital Transformation and Innovation.

JICA and its partner Japanese non-government organization, A Child's Trust Is Ours to Nurture (ACTION) Inc., also participated in the booth exhibit to foster better understanding on the activities of
both organizations. JICA and ACTION, Inc. in partnership with DSWD, Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council and target local government units have embarked on several projects since 2012 which resulted to the development of the following materials which were institutionalized and now utilized by the facilities;

1. Guidelines for the Establishment of Comprehensive Training Program for Houseparents of Residential Care Facilities for Children

2. Houseparenting Standards in Centers and Institutions for Children Operating in Central Luzon

3. Life Skill Intervention Toolkit and Socio-emotional Learning Module as Interventions in the Rehabilitation of Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) and Children at Risk (CAR)

Check the link below to learn more about JICA and ACTION’s partnership here: https://www.facebook.com/jicaphilippines/posts/jica-celebrated-with-philippine-based-japanese-ngo-a-childs-trust-is-ours-to-nur/828619272641743/

13/12/2024

📣 UPDATE: PH agencies talk integrated strategy in mitigating flood disaster thru green policy and infrastructure

Select representatives from various local and national government offices recently completed a two-week training program from November 24-December 7, 2024, in Japan to gain knowledge on Japanese technologies and experiences on flood mitigation. The participants took part in a series of engaging lectures from JICA Headquarters, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Weather News Inc, and Japan Meteorological Agency.

Participating agencies include the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Department of Finance (DOF) and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), with officials from the Provincial Government of Isabela and Cagayan. In one of their activities, they were subdivided into 2 teams – Pasig- Marikina and Cagayan – representing major river basins that are prone to flooding.

"We have learned a lot about the policies and best practices that the GOJ are continuously undertaking in the planning, implementation, as well as in the Operation and Maintenance of flood control projects, including the non-structural measures that will enhance the effectiveness of the constructed flood control structures and facilities," shared UPMO-FCMC Project Manager Rhodora F. Dayco, representing the Pasig-Marikina Team.

“The JICA training gave us the opportunity to see the integrated effort by relevant Japanese government agencies with the use of state-of-the-art technologies in flood control countermeasures and water resources management. We can adopt an integrated strategy by providing infrastructure solutions, complemented by green infrastructures that can sustain the environment and keep vulnerable communities safe from flooding hazards,” DENR-RBCO Executive Director Sevillo David, Jr. said, representing the Cagayan Team.

Check out some snaps from the training program. All photos are courtesy of the Project Team and participants.

The training program is part of the on-going Technical Cooperation for Development Planning, “The Project for Enhancement of Flood Control Strategy in Prioritized River Basins”. Find out more about the project here:
https://www.jica.go.jp/english/overseas/philippine/information/press/2023/20240117.html

You can also follow their page for more updates: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563817461090