MANILA — Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said Japan’s support will help fast-track infrastructure projects that are expected to deliver immediate benefits to Filipinos.

Dizon cited President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to expand cooperation with other countries in order to strengthen the country’s infrastructure development efforts.

He also expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan, through its Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), for its assistance in modernizing the Philippines’ infrastructure network to improve mobility, connectivity, and economic growth.

“President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is confident that the cooperation of the Philippines and Japan will lead to the country’s economic growth, improved trade and investments. The DPWH will make sure that the Filipino people will reap the benefits of this assistance for their improved quality of life,” Dizon said during the 4th Technical and Business Cooperation on Road Tunnel Construction workshop.

The workshop brought together officials from both countries, including MLIT Assistant Vice Minister for Engineering and Road Tomiyama Hidenori; Embassy of Japan Economic Minister Yokota Naobumi; JICA Philippines Senior Representative Morishima Takanori; and DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain and Undersecretary Nicasio A. Conti.

Discussions focused on strengthening technical cooperation and business relations between the Philippines and Japan. Experts and companies from the road and tunnel sectors shared insights, best practices, and potential areas for future collaboration.

The partnership aims to advance technology transfer, technical cooperation, and business matchmaking for Japan-funded infrastructure projects, as well as ongoing initiatives such as the Davao City Bypass Construction Project and the planned Dalton Bypass East Alternative Road.