by: Danella De Vera
Copyedited by: Carlos Agripa
Publication by: Yelena Fabricante
Association is one thing; amity is another. Aligning is one thing; intertwining is another. Yesterday, July 23, marked the 69th year celebration of a significant partnership—a friendship that tied knots and raveled unfinished history, one that transcended borders, bonded in culture, and paved the way for peace.
Almost seven decades ago, the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan were formalized through the signing of the Peace Treaty and Reparations Agreement on July 23, 1956. Consequently, to recognize the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the nations’ relations, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared July 23 as the official Philippines-Japan Friendship Day and 2006 as the Philippines-Japan Friendship Year through Proclamation 854 s. 2005 and Proclamation 905 s. 2005, respectively.
Enriching this friendship through frequent gatherings and affiliations, the Philippines and Japan have accomplished several notable projects:
Transport and Infrastructure Development
Under Japan’s first cooperation pillar of ‘Strengthening a Foundation for Sustainable Economic Growth’ railway developments in Metro Manila were implemented. Under this is the ongoing provision of financial and technical support in the Metro Manila Subway project and the rehabilitation and modernization of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3. Equipped with Japan’s advanced technology, these projects aim to accommodate the increasing demand in transportation and to aid traffic congestion and issues of frequent malfunction. Along with this, Japan has also been involved in several road and bridge projects around the Philippines, including the Davao City Bypass, the Cebu-Mactan 4th Bridge, and the San Juanico Bridge.
Life Protection and Capacity Development
Japan has also taken part in assistance to several healthcare, medical, and hygiene services in the country. This includes advanced medical equipment, infectious disease control, vaccination facilitation, and social rehabilitation. Moreover, to ensure the increase of opportunities and to recognize potentials, Japan has provided aid in education, including the funding for construction of schools and facilities, academic scholarships, and exchange student
and teacher programs. Through several partnerships, Japan has also provided job opportunities in the country under the automotive, high-tech, electricity, and chemicals sectors in the Philippines.
Contributions to Peace and Stability
In the pursuit of peace and solitude, after years of conflict, Japan has implemented a wide range of assistance in the consolidation of peace in Mindanao, particularly the reconstruction of Marawi City after armed conflict in 2017. Training assistance to the Philippine Coast Guard and advanced armaments to the Philippine National Police were also provided to strengthen law enforcement and capabilities, proving that Japan stands with the Filipino people and is ready to assist the country to safety.
The Philippines-Japan partnership proves a partnership that is built not only on mutual goals but on a profound sense of solidarity. This bond serves as a bridge between borders of culture and technology. And just like human-to-human friendships, the relationship between nations can stand the test of time, reminding us that in the face of challenges, company matters.
References:
The Modernization and Extension of Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1). Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, https://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/files/100816860.pdf. Accessed 24 July 2025.
�Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) to the Philippines. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, https://www.mofa.go.jp/files/100217186.pdf. Accessed 24 July 2025.
�”The Philippines and Japan Celebrate 69 Strong Years of Friendship.” The Manila Times, 23 July 2025, https://www.manilatimes.net/…/the…/2153637/amp. Accessed 24 July 2025.