Japan commits to ODA deals on MRT-3, helicopter maintenance

THE PHILIPPINE and Japanese governments exchanged notes yesterday on the official development assistance (ODA) funding for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) rehabilitation program, and various items of defense equipment.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement yesterday that Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda signed the Exchange of Notes on the Grant Aid of the Government of Japan to the Philippines of the MRT-3 rehabilitation, and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) agreement to supply parts and maintenance assistance for the Philippine fleet of UH-1H (Huey) helicopters.

Japan will provide a P17.79-billion loan facility for the 43-month rehabilitation of the MRT-3, to restore its design capacity and reliability, covering the MRT’s fleet of 72 Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs). It also funds day-to-day maintenance.

The loan will also cover work on the rail line’s trains, power supply system, overhead catenary system, radio system, closed-circuit television system, public address system, signaling system, rail tracks, road rail vehicles, depot equipment, elevators and escalators and other station-building equipment.

The defense aid package includes P5 billion worth of spare parts and maintenance equipment for UH-1H helicopters.

“Throughout the years, Japan has vigorously and unfailingly supported the priorities of the Philippine government for the wellbeing of the Filipino people — and in particular through economic and development assistance as well as in enhancing our defense and security capabilities. It is help that has no agenda but friendship, decency, and a deep and abiding regard, as much for the safety and well-being of neighbors, as for oneself,” Mr. Locsin said.

“This is why we have elevated our relationship with Japan to a strategic partnership. Today’s Exchange of Notes affirms this evergrowing, mutually beneficial and gratifying relationship between our two countries and our two peoples,” he added.

Mr. Haneda, meanwhile, reaffirmed the Japanese government’s commitment to its relationship with the Philippines.

“With the signing of these two projects, let me assure you that we do not only mark our commitments on paper, we also pledge our all-out efforts in bringing these projects into successful completion,” he said.

The exchange of notes were witnessed by Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana, Transportation Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan, Finance Undersecretary for the International Finance Group Mark Dennis Joven, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Senior Vice President Yasushi Tanaka, JICA-Philippines Chief Representative Yoshio Wada and officials from the DFA, the Departments of Finance, Transportation, and National Defense, the Japanese Embassy and JICA. —