Palace thanks Japan for $2-B financial aid

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang has welcomed the Japanese government’s pledge of a $2-billion official development assistance (ODA) package for the construction of a 36.7-kilometer narrow-gauge elevated commuter railway from Malolos, Bulacan to Tutuban in Manila.

The project, also known as Phase 1 of the North-South Commuter Rail Project, is said to be the single-biggest ODA loan package Japan has given to any development partner to date.

“The ODA package would be a boon to our ongoing efforts to improve and modernize our public transport system,” Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.

This is one of the agreements signed during President Aquino’s state visit to Japan last June 2 to 5.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said the pledge is Japan’s commitment in firming up its cooperation with the Philippines under the Philippine-Japan Cooperation Roadmap for Quality Infrastructure Development in the Transport Sector in Metro Manila area.

“This ODA package is a firm testament to the robust bilateral relations between the Philippines and Japan and affirms the confidence and support of the Japanese government to the reforms undertaken by the Aquino administration,” Coloma said.

“Japan has been a valuable partner of the Philippine government in promoting lasting peace in Mindanao through the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiative for Reconstruction Development project,” the spokesman added.

The Aquino administration will continue to work closely with Japan to advance initiatives on maritime security, according to Coloma.