DFA Secretary Manalo and Japanese Ambassador Koshikawa Sign the Exchange of Notes on Post-Disaster Loan Phase 3 (PDSL3) and the Non-Project Grant Aid for the Satellite Data Communications Systems (SDCS) for the Philippine Coast Guard
(Photo courtesy to DFA-OPCD Camille Barizo)
MANILA 08 August 2023 – Secretary Enrique A. Manalo and Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa led the exchange of diplomatic notes ceremony for the following Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) agreements:
- Post Disaster Stand-by Loan Phase 3 (PDSL3); and
- Economic and Social Development Programme for the Non-Project Grant Aid for the provision of the Satellite Data Communications Systems (SDCS) for the Philippine Coast Guard
The PDSL3 amounting to JPY 30 billion or USD212 million will provide the Philippines with budgetary support available for quick disbursement in the event of a state of calamity. Meanwhile, the Non-Project Grant Aid amounting to JPY1 billion and 100 million or USD7.78 million for the SDCS will support the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) capacity to monitor and obtain a better picture of the Philippines’ vast maritime jurisdiction particularly in the West Philippine Sea. The SDCS will also augment the existing capability of the coastal radars and will provide real-time Common Operating Picture (COP) between the National Headquarters, selected shore stations, and the deployed floating assets for improved Maritime Domain Awareness.
In his brief remarks, Secretary Manalo extended the Philippines’ appreciation to the Government of Japan for its unwavering commitment to the development of the Philippines. “Today’s exchange of notes is another manifestation of our strengthened partnership in development priorities of the Philippines” he added.
From left to right: PCG Commo Algier D. Ricafrente, DFA Assistant Secretary Aileen S. Mendiola-Rau, PCG VADM Rolando Lizor N. Punzalan Jr., DOTr Assistant Secretary Leonel Cray De Velez, DOF Undersecretary Maria Edita Z. Tan, Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa, Embassy of Japan First Secretary Hiroyuki Kudo, Embassy of Japan Financial Attache Kensuke Sugimoto, Embassy of Japan Second Secretary Tomoaki Matsushige. (Photo courtesy to DFA-OPCD Camille Barizo)
Witnessing the signing ceremony were officials from the Department of Finance, the Department of Transportation, and the Philippine Coast Guard.
Japan is the Philippines’ top bilateral ODA partner, with its long history of support for Philippine development priorities spanning infrastructure, health, human resources, agriculture, education, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, among many others. The Philippines and Japan celebrated the 67th anniversary of the normalization of their diplomatic relations on 23 July 2023. END