JICA Philippines

18/02/2025

📣 Securing the Water Environment for the Future of Davaoeños!

JICA hosted a specialized workshop on Septage Management for Davao City’s water-related offices and regional line offices last week. This initiative forms part of an on-going cooperation project between JICA and City of Government Davao to develop a comprehensive wastewater management master plan, empowering local stakeholders with knowledge and strategies needed for water sustainability.

The JICA Consulting Team led by Mr. WATANABE Taisuke made a brief presentation on the project’s progress, highlighting challenges, along with case studies from Japan and other regions in the Philippines.

On the other hand, Engr. Christine Guarde, Manager for Sewerage and Sanitation Department of Davao City Water District (DCWD) presented its current sanitation program and services and future initiatives.

In order to demonstrate Japan’s way of investigating water quality, a hands-on experiment using water samples from upstream and downstream of Davao River was conducted to show the water quality from each sampling point.

During the Q&A session, there were questions about the effectiveness of each processing method in view of food safety, sanitation survey that was conducted by DCWD, and also comments on the importance of database management and the importance of not just creating a master plan, but also ‘implementing’ it.

Stay tuned for our next workshop scheduled for June 2025!

18/02/2025

📢 Bicolanos are taking the leap for a scholarship in Japan with JICA! 🗻📚

Government personnel from Bicol explored JICA’s training and scholarship programs under various sectors offered this 2025 through the JICA Promotional Seminar and JAAP Regional Activity. The event covered JICA’s human resource development opportunities, its implementation, and the role of TESDA and CHED, as focal units in the Philippines’ application process. The Knowledge Co-Creation Program (KCCP) Group and Region Focus (GRF), and Young Leaders (YL) are some of the short-term opportunities offered by JICA, while the SDGs Global Leader Program (SDGs) and the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) fall under the long-term scheme.

To inspire the attendees to apply, fellow Bicolanos and JICA Alumni Association of the Philippines, Inc. (JAAP) members Ms. Nikki Dasco (GRF Trainee from Bicol Regional Geriatric Hospital and Medical Center), Mr. Arnold Onrubia (YL Trainee from formerly from the Provincial Government of Albay), and Ms. Richel Callos (SDGs Scholar from National Economic and Development Authority V) took the stage, and shared their transformative experience wherein they gained a deeper understanding on their sector, Japan’s development history and technological advancement. The alumni also highlighted that their respective programs did not just offer personal and professional growth but also moved them to contribute further to their area’s sustainable growth.

Check out this link to learn more about JICA’s training and scholarships: https://www.jica.go.jp/english/overseas/philippine/activities/activity_01_05.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawIfl31leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHRLSeI9Z7MaTwnqR5QBZgs_Kk3go-GYdj8HYbj1n88sIV56GSsN4_UhZAA_aem_JAXhDMyhWcJGF66wGzNZRQ

17/02/2025

𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗠𝗠 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗮 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁 📈

The Infrastructure Development Sectoral Working Group (IDSWG) of the Bangsamoro International Development Assistance Committee (BIDAC), co-chaired by Ministry of Public Works (MPW) and JICA led the conduct of the two-day “
Workshop for Technical Cooperation Needs Assessment” held in Cotabato City on February 12-13, 2025.

Many of the challenges faced by BARMM ministries, offices, and agencies (BMOAs), at each stage of infrastructure development had commonality such as issues related to alignment with strategic priorities, the managing the unforeseen changes in project scope and cost, insufficient technical know-how of personnel for effective appropriation of budget for infrastructure projects, insufficient harmonization of policies and communication between and Ministries and LGUs etc.

This BIDAC-IDSWG Workshop served as a platform in encouraging the cross-ministerial communication and promoting coordination between BMOAs and international development partners (IDPs) thereby enabling the BARMM government to better serve its people by developing and implementing better infrastructure projects.

17/02/2025

Enhancing BIR’s capability to uphold tax compliance and meet global standards 🌏💰

Forty (40) officials from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) regional offices joined a two-day seminar led by JICA Expert Mr. MURATA Yuki at the BIR Central Office. The seminar covers topics on treaties and rules governing International Taxation aimed to enhance the understanding of participating BIR tax examiners and experts from Cebu and Davao.

Ms. OJIMA Chiaki from the National Tax Agency (NTA) of Japan was also invited to share basic knowledge on the concepts, methods and audits of Transfer Pricing, and Advance Pricing Arrangement (APA), and others.

Through this cooperation, JICA actively backs BIR’s efforts to establish and institutionalize a dedicated transfer pricing team, ensuring the necessary capacity to meet the minimum standards set by the G20 Inclusive Framework, particularly the Base Erosion Profit Shifting (BEPS). It is vital that the Philippines fulfills the minimum requirement of the five action plans to pass the peer review on harmful tax practices and exchange of information on tax ruling.

Moving forward, JICA assures its continued support in modernizing tax administration and improving the country’s investment climate through fiscal sustainability.

Learn more about the BEPS here: https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/policy-issues/base-erosion-and-profit-shifting-beps.html

13/02/2025

【満席・受付終了】　たくさんのお申込みありがとうございました！

JICAフィリピン事務所では、国際協力に関心のある方々を対象に「NGO-JICAセミナー」を開催いたします。
開催日：3月5日(水)10:00～12:00
会場：JICAフィリピン事務所
使用言語：日本語
申込方法：申込フォーム（bit.ly/NGOJICAcoffee）より、2/28(金)までにお申込みください※先着25名程
参加費：無料
☕ 一杯のコーヒーから考える国際協力
世界中で愛されるコーヒーですが、その一杯の裏には、生産者の努力や環境への配慮、持続可能な未来への課題が詰まっています。淹れたてのコーヒーを味わいながら、コーヒー豆の生産や販売の現状、環境問題、国際協力の取り組みについて一緒に学びませんか。

12/02/2025

♻️🌏 Championing clean cities and achieving sustainable development

The Project for the Improvement of Municipal Solid Waste Management in Davao City between JICA and Local Government of Davao City in collaboration with Kitakyushu City, Japan and Kitakyushu City Environmental Preservation Association (KEPA), celebrated its milestones in enhancing waste segregation, collection, transportation, and recycling mechanisms in a culminating forum held today.

The forum highlighted the successful implementation of the project, including the use of materials recovery facilities and applying composting practices, and the impact of training sessions in Japan, where representatives from Davao City learned best waste management practices.

This partnership demonstrates JICA's initiatives to support grassroots development. Through this collaboration, communities in Davao City were able to improve their waste management systems while inspiring others to follow suit in creating a cleaner and greener environment.

11/02/2025

💡 DID YOU KNOW Diseases outbreaks are leading threats to banana and cacao production in the Philippines?

In the Philippines, banana exports had fallen from third ranking in 2023 to fourth last year, due to continuous spread of Fusarium Wilt Tropical Race 4 (TR4) disease based on the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization’s report. On the other hand, around 20%-25% of production losses in cacao is attributed to crop diseases.

Seeking to find viable solutions, local and international experts convened to harmonize various efforts towards sustainable banana and cacao production the country.

In a two-day forum held recently in Davao, key stakeholders from both industries gathered to share best practices and explore innovative technologies to enhance diseases control and management of these two high-value crops. Initial research findings were also presented citing the effectiveness of anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) using low concentrate ethanol sprayed to infected soil for both banana and cacao, which substantially reduces the waiting time for farmers to replant from 12-14 months to only a month.

Read full story here: https://www.jica.go.jp/english/overseas/philippine/information/press/2024/bacadm2ndsforum_02072025.html

07/02/2025

JICA receives recognition for supporting innovative environmental solutions in the Philippines ♻️ 🌱

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) cited JICA’s vital contributions and partnership in fostering sustainable practices amid environmental challenges. Particularly, JICA was acclaimed for its project, "Capacity Development on Improving Solid Waste Management (SWM) through Advanced/Innovative Technologies" for introducing SWM technologies to local and national agencies.

The ceremony was held today to celebrate the contributions of DENR-EMB's partners in its mission of protecting, conserving, and sustainably managing the environment.

JICA remains committed in continuing its collaboration efforts to forge innovative environmental management solutions that contribute to the country’s environmental protection, conservation, and stewardship.

07/02/2025

JICAフィリピン事務所では、国際協力に関心のある方々を対象に「NGO-JICAセミナー」を開催いたします。
開催日：3月5日(水)10:00～12:00
会場：JICAフィリピン事務所
使用言語：日本語
申込方法：申込フォーム（bit.ly/NGOJICAcoffee）より、2/28(金)までにお申込みください※先着25名程
参加費：無料
☕ 一杯のコーヒーから考える国際協力
世界中で愛されるコーヒーですが、その一杯の裏には、生産者の努力や環境への配慮、持続可能な未来への課題が詰まっています。淹れたてのコーヒーを味わいながら、コーヒー豆の生産や販売の現状、環境問題、国際協力の取り組みについて一緒に学びませんか。

07/02/2025

♻️ Holistic Solutions for a Sustainable Future: Strengthening Community Effort in Waste Management! 🌍

In today’s , we are featuring Engr. Basari Odal from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) - Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE)! Engr. Odal completed the Knowledge Co-Creation Program Group and Region Focus (KCCP-GRF) course on the Basics of Solid Waste Management, where he gained profound knowledge on Japan’s advanced waste management practices.

Hands-on experiences, lectures, and site visits exposed him to technology-driven and community-led approaches that foster sustainability and environmental protection in the Kansai region, Japan. Witnessing Japan’s integrated waste management system—from recycling PET bottles, glass, and household appliances to producing reusable materials like recycled plastic lumber and operating efficient sewage treatment facilities— inspired Engr. Odal to bring these best practices to the Philippines.

JICA supports Engr. Odal’s initiatives by providing technical assistance and capacity development programs to further enhance waste management practices in the country. JICA remains committed to work with the Philippine government for a cleaner and greener future! 🌱

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

06/02/2025

🌊🌍 JICA Scholar advocates for stronger Flood Risk Management in the Philippines! 👨‍🎓💡

Today, the spotlight is on our Knowledge Co-Creation Program-Group and Region Focus (KCCP-GRF) graduate, Engr. Samuel Maskay!

Under the KCCP GRF: Flood Disaster Risk Reduction, Engr. Maskay completed his one-year master’s degree under the Disaster Management Policy Program, offered by JICA in cooperation with the National Graduate Institute of Policy Studies (GRIPS) and the International Centre for Water Hazard and Risk Management (ICHARM). Given his involvement at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Mountain Province 1st District Engineering Office, the course allowed him to conduct in-depth research entitled, “Integrated Flood Risk Analysis for Riverine Communities in the Chico River Basin, Mountain Province, Philippines.”

His education and numerous site visits exposed him to Japan’s experiences on Integrated Flood Risk Management and advanced flood mitigation infrastructure. Engr. Maskay highlighted that, “I count myself among the fortunate to witness firsthand Japan’s cutting-edge approach to water-related disasters. The chance to explore and study flood control and sediment management—ranging from dams and Sabo dams to retarding basins, river diversion tunnels, and even ancient dikes—offers an experience of monumental significance. Additionally, delving into specialized software like the Rainfall-Runoff-Inundation (RRI) Model for hydrological modeling and the iRIC Model for sediment and hydraulic modeling enriches my knowledge profoundly, and I am confident it will be of immense value throughout my career.”

Through his findings, he recommends:

👮‍ Enforcing strict land zoning policies to limit expansion along riverbanks.

♒ Including tributaries in river management planning.

👷‍♂️ Enhancing the planning and design of embankments and retaining walls to consider the channel’s capacity and morphological changes.

🚧 Constructing protective structures along tributaries to safeguard nearby communities.

Furthermore, Engr. Maskay advocates for stronger collaboration between the Philippines and Japan in disaster risk reduction. He urges joint efforts in climate action, shared research on sustainable development, and capacity-development programs for emergency response teams.

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

06/02/2025

✨ JAEC: 40 years of fostering farmer-driven growth in agriculture

JICA Philippines joined the 40th anniversary celebration of the Japan Agricultural Exchange Council (JAEC)’s impactful work in the Philippines. The milestone event, held recently at the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in Quezon City, highlights JAEC’s four decades of empowering young Filipino farmers through innovative training programs, a mission that closely aligns with JICA’s commitment to support the country’s agricultural development.

In his welcome remarks, JICA Philippines Senior Representative OSHIMA Jiro recognized JAEC’s important role in building a more resilient agricultural sector in the Philippines. More than equipping young farmers with the needed skills and knowledge, JAEC has also cultivated hope and opened up opportunities for many families in rural communities.

JAEC's 40th anniversary event included a business networking session to connect alumni with Japanese agricultural businesses, promote technological innovation, and connect local producers with Japanese enterprises in the Philippines, leveraging their Japanese farming experience.

04/02/2025

Collective effort to foster effective water management 🌍💧

In coordination with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), JICA conducted a workshop on Solutions to Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Challenges for water-related agencies last week in Quezon City.

More than 60 participants from national and regional government agencies joined to discuss IWRM initiatives and determine solutions to the looming challenges in water resources management.

Dr. Carlos Primo David, Undersecretary for Integrated Environmental Science of DENR, provided a brief lecture on the country’s recent initiatives in IWRM. He highlighted the importance of data sets using a single platform in assessing water situation and the need to change from implementing ‘single’ purpose projects to ‘multi-purpose’ projects in order to efficiently utilize government funds. He also shared the recent establishment of a national hotline for water services and concerns and the approval of new policies on IWRM.

On the other hand, Mr. FUKUDA Takahiro, Team Leader of the JICA Advisory Team from Nippon Koei, led the facilitation of the workshop where participants were given the opportunity to evaluate and arrange solutions such as expanding river basin councils’ membership, promotion of best practices, creation of dam inventory, cost reduction strategy, project convergence budgeting, and promotion of revenue generating practices.

This workshop was conducted as part of the JICA Advisory Services for IWRM which started in 2023 and soon to be completed by April 2025.

04/02/2025

Paving the way for a more connected, peaceful, and prosperous Mindanao 📈🕊️

JICA and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) held the 4th Steering Committee Meeting for the Road Network Development Project in Conflict-Affected Areas in Mindanao (RNDP-CAAM) at the DPWH Compound in Cotabato City, January 30, 2025.

This initiative, supported under JICA Loan PH-F-P1, aims to improve infrastructure, enhance connectivity, and promote socio-economic development in the Bangsamoro region and its neighboring areas. The meeting, led by DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, focused on reviewing the progress of the RNDP-CAAM, discussing key challenges, and ensuring that implementation is on track.

Significant milestones have been achieved, including the completion of the Marawi Transcentral Road (MTR) III in early 2024. This newly rehabilitated 18 km road has already improved transportation, provided access to essential services, and boosted economic activity in the area.

Meanwhile, several other sub-projects are moving forward:
✅ Parang East Diversion Road (SP-8) – Civil works expected to commence in early 2025.
✅ Manuangan-Parang Road (SP-9) – Bidding process underway, with construction set to begin later this year.
✅ Parang-Balabagan Road (SP-2) – Detailed Engineering Design (DED) is nearly complete, paving the way for procurement of civil works.

JICA Project Formulation Advisor, Ms. KATAKURA Yoko, emphasized, “JICA remains fully committed to supporting infrastructure development, peacebuilding, and capacity enhancement in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).”

Beyond road construction, JICA also continues to invest in technical training and skills development for BARMM’s Ministry of Public Works (MPW) to ensure the sustainability of these infrastructure projects.

03/02/2025

Empowered by JICA’s Scholarship Initiative🎌📚

JICA Philippines welcomed twelve (12) Filipino scholars who recently completed their master’s studies in Japanese universities.

The scholars from the Department of Energy-Renewable Energy Management Bureau (DOE-REMB), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS), Department of the Interior and Local Government-Local Government Academy (DILG-LGA), Department of Trade and Industry-Board of Investments (DTI-BOI) and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) shared their academic and cultural experiences, research insights, and progress in their re-entry plans during the 3-part report back session. From enhancing public finance and budget allocation strategies, to encouraging investments in agriculture, sustainable infrastructures and space technology for disaster resilience, then advancing ICT and global health diplomacy to address medical concerns and integrating clean energy solutions.

The scholars proved to be high achievers, excelling in their academics. Ms. Cheyanne Acupan (DTI-BOI) was awarded Best Thesis and Best Thesis Presentation. Mr. Lincoln Olayta (DOST-PHIVOLCS) held multiple oral and poster presentations at international conferences, while Ms. Airish Baquiran (NEDA) was a representative in the Global Public Policy Network held in France, and was able to visit various international organizations in the country and Belgium.

Since their return to the Philippines, they are more resolute to contribute to their field with their learnings. Ms. Freda Toyoken (NEDA-Cordillera Administrative Region) and Mr. JP Soriano (NEDA Region VII) aim to update their regional development plans and learning modules, while Ms. Ara Salcedo (DPWH) is planning to incorporate it in her trainings and development of an environmental safeguards’ manual. Also, Mr. Mikhael Bensurto (LGA), who was recently promoted to assistant division chief, is expanding capacity development opportunities not just in LGA but also in various LGUs.

31/01/2025

𝗣𝗛 𝗰𝘆𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝘂𝗽! 💻🔐

Four Filipino talents from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), joining as the Red Team (a group of people who simulate cyber-attacks on an organization to test its security), were sent to Indonesia to undergo a two-week training from January 20 to 31 along with participants from other ASEAN countries to hone their skills on both offense and defense strategies.

According to a study released in December 2024 by Kaspersky, cyber threats have been continuously increasing across the globe. Among Southeast Asian countries, the Philippines accounts for 3.25% of online attacks with more than 800,000 recorded threats.

Keen on strengthening the Philippines’ cybersecurity posture, JICA continuously supports the government’s efforts to guard and protect the country’s Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) from malicious attacks.

The Philippines’ Red Team is expected to cascade the learning by taking the lead in conducting a new set of exercises that will aim to develop skills for the country’s Blue Team, a group of professionals responsible for defending an organization’s systems and networks against cyberattacks to shape and strengthen the government’s capacity in defending the country’s CII.

31/01/2025

JICA reiterates its enduring support for customs modernization 🤝

JICA Philippines Chief Representative SAKAMOTO Takema paid a courtesy visit with JICA Expert KATSU Shigeaki this week to Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio. The meeting was also joined by Deputy Commissioner Vener S. Baquiran, Deputy Commissioner Erwin T. Mendoza, and External Affairs Office Head Rechilda T. Oquias.

During the discussion, Chief Representative SAKAMOTO emphasized JICA’s steadfast partnership with the BOC to strengthen collection efficiency, border control, and trade facilitation, which are crucial to trade facilitation and a conducive business environment.

Commissioner Rubio expressed his deep appreciation for JICA’s long-standing support to the BOC through the capacity development and knowledge-sharing through the dispatch of long-term experts from Japan Customs—a form of technical assistance that has spanned over three decades.

Both sides agreed to expand this partnership to involve collaboration across various aspects of the BOC’s operations, especially customs modernization, human resource development, and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program.

Photos courtesy of the BOC.

30/01/2025

Sowing the seeds of change with farmer communities in Peñarrubia, Abra 🌾

A monitoring mission was conducted last week for “The Project for Reduction of Agricultural Production Cost in Peñarrubia Municipality and Surrounding Areas in Abra”. This project is jointly implemented by JICA, Japanese Non-Government Organization (NGO), Hachi, and counterparts in Abra.

Positive insights were noted by the team:
✅Abra Diocesan Teachers and Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ADTEMPCO) and JICA shares a unified mindset of consistently striving for better results focused on reducing costs and increasing yields.
✅The project has strengthened motivation and collaboration among ADTEMPCO and its stakeholders, fostering a stronger sense of partnership and shared purpose.

JICA supports this project through its Technical Cooperation for Grassroots Project (TCGP) scheme, collaboration with Japanese NGOs. Learn more about TCGP here: https://www.jica.go.jp/Resource/philippine/english/office/about/ngo_desk_02.html