JAICA

glance of Japan International Cooperation Agency in the philippines

1. Japan International Cooperation Agency AMYR YASHEEN F. DUMAMA MPA-1

2. About JICA Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is a governmental agency that coordinates Official Development Assistance (ODA) for the Government of Japan. The current organization was established in 2003, and replaced a semigovernmental organization formed in 1974 under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. JICA is one of the largest bilateral development organizations in the world with a network of 97 overseas offices, projects in more than 150 countries, and available financial resources of approximately 1 trillion Japanese yen ($8.5 billion). JICA aims to contribute to the promotion of international development cooperation and addressing the global agenda by supporting the socioeconomic development, recovery and economic stability of developing countries. The Official Development Assistance coordinated by JICA is broadly divided into bilateral aid, in which assistance is given directly to developing countries, and multilateral aid, provided through international organizations. JICA distributes its aid in the form of Technical Cooperation (including technical cooperation projects), ODA Loans, and Grant Aid. In 2008, Japan contributed, on a net disbursement basis, approximately US$6,641 million (¥68.74 billion) in bilateral ODA and approximately US$2,721 million (¥28.16 billion) in contributions and donations to international organizations.

3. Areas of work JICA works with a range of thematic issues including the following: • Private Sector Development • Agricultural/Rural Development • Urban/Regional Development • Poverty Reduction • Natural Resources and Energy • Economic Policy

4. Eligibility for JICA funding JICA implements projects in more than 150 countries in 5 continents. The list of countries in Europe includes the following UNECE member States with economies in transition: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Montenegro, Republic of Moldova, Serbia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Ukraine.

5. Cooperation 1. Technical Cooperation Project 2. Individual Technical Cooperation 3. Training Program 4. NGO Support Program 5. Development Study 6. Yen Loan Program 7. Survey and Administration of General Grant Aid Program (GGAP) 8. Dispatch of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV)

6. Country Assistance Policy for the Republic of the Philippines

7. 1. Relevance of Assistance The Philippines lies along vital sea lanes and is thus an important country in geographical and regional security terms. Therefore, sustainable growth of the Philippines will contribute to the stability and the development in the East Asian region. Moreover, the Philippines is an important partner in East Asia for Japan in the context wherein the two countries share the same values including democracy and market economy, as well as common strategic interests. In September 2011, Japan and the Philippines confirmed in the Japan-Philippines Joint Statement that the relations between the two countries have already developed into a “Strategic Partnership.”

8. Relevance of Assistance Japan and the Philippines have close economic relations. As many Japanese companies have established their bases in the Philippines, the Philippines provides a solid base for Japan’s economic activities. In December 2011, the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement also came into effect. Furthermore, the two countries have the existing foundation of the broad range of people-to-people exchange. The Japanese society, which faces the issues of a declining birthrate and an aging population, can further develop a complementary relationship with the Philippine society, which has a large younger population.

9. Relevance of Assistance Overall, the Philippines is at the stage of entering into a middle-income economy. The Philippines’ GNI (Gross National Income) per capita is 2,050 dollars as of 20101 . It is also expected that the Philippines will achieve most of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), except for universal education and maternal health. Moreover, the Philippines has a potential for high economic growth because of its abundant and inexpensive young labor force and the people’s high English skills. To achieve sustainable and more vigorous economic growth, it is necessary for the Philippines to tackle issues such as the improvement of investment climate for attracting more foreign investment, the advancement of export-driven industries, the rectification of disparities in income levels, the improvement of vulnerable infrastructures and social systems to risks such as natural disasters, and the settlement of the conflict in Mindanao, while taking also into account stable management of the economy.

10. Relevance of Assistance Japan has long provided assistance to the Philippines as the top donor. Japan will further develop its overall bilateral relations with the Philippines building upon diplomatic assets acquired so far by Japan’s presence in the Philippines, wide range of cooperation between the two countries in the international arena and the good relations fostered between the private-sectors of the two countries.

11. 2. Basic Assistance Policy Japan will render its support through economic cooperation in assisting the Philippines to achieve “Inclusive Growth” described in the “Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016” with a view to further strengthening the “Strategic Partnership” between the two countries.

12. 3. Priority Areas Achieving Sustainable Economic Growth through Further Promotion of Investment To improve investment climate in order to attract more local and foreign investment toward the achievement of sustainable economic growth, Japan provides assistance centering on: 1) the improvement of traffic and transportation network of the Greater Capital Region; 2) the improvement of infrastructure related to energy and water; 3) the enhancement of administrative capacity, 4) the securing of maritime safety; and 5) human resource development for industries.

13. 3. Priority Areas Overcoming Vulnerability and Stabilizing bases for Human Life and Production Activity To overcome vulnerability to various risks affecting the impoverished sector in particular, such as environmental issues including natural disasters and climate change as well as infectious diseases, and also to stabilize and fortify bases for human life and production activities, Japan provides assistance centering on: 1) the improvement of both “hard” and “soft” infrastructures to address issues related to natural disasters and environment; 2) the development of safety nets including healthcare; and 3) the enhancement of agricultural production and productivity as well as the improvement of the processing and distribution of agricultural products.

14. 3. Priority Areas Peace and Development in Mindanao To secure and stabilize peace in Mindanao through the promotion of the peace process by means of socio-economic development in the conflict-affected areas, and also to eradicate poverty , Japan provides assistance for: 1) the strengthening of governance; 2) the reduction of poverty including the improvement of access to social services; and 3) the community development through the improvement of infrastructures and promotion of industries.

15. 4. Points to be considered As the peace talks between the Philippine Government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has been continuing, it is also necessary to consider future possible assistance to Mindanao after both parties reach a final peace agreement. Necessary safety arrangements should be made in the assistance activities in the conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.

16. THANK YOU AND WASSALAM…