Aquino and Prime Minister Noda underscore importance of improving business environment and promoting investment between Japan and PHL
TOKYO, Japan -- President Benigno S. Aquino III and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda on Tuesday held a productive first Summit Meeting in a cordial-forward looking and constructive atmosphere at the Prime Minister's Office (Kantei) here.
In their Joint Statement following their meeting, the two leaders confirmed the importance of improving the business environment and further promoting investments between Japan and the Philippines.
President Aquino affirmed his administration's commitment to promoting good and accountable governance and the improvement of the business environment, including continually enhancing administrative transparency and predictability.
During their meeting, Prime Minister Noda expressed his "high appreciation for the efforts of President Aquino."
According to the Joint Statement, the President had requested Japan's support for his administration's Public-Private Partnership program, which prioritizes infrastructure and development projects, in furtherance of the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016.
In his response, Prime Minister Noda said that Japan will support the improvement of the investment environment through active utilization of the Office Development Assistance (ODA), and thereby promote private investment and contribute to the development of the Philippines.
In this regard, Prime Minister Noda announced that Japan will dispatch a public-private mission to the Philippines by March 2012 and hold a seminar in Manila which will contribute to the improvement and development of infrastructure in the country.
The two leaders also stressed the importance of the exchange and cooperation between business groups such as the Japan-Philippines Economic-Joint Committee in advancing infrastructure development to encourage investments.
They likewise confirmed the importance of the timely conclusion of the Philippines' ongoing process with regard to the Japanese terrestrial digital TV broadcasting system. (PCOO)
President Aquino invites Their Majesties Emperor and Empress of Japan as well as Prime Minister Noda to visit PHL
TOKYO, Japan -- President Benigno S. Aquino III has conveyed his invitation for Their Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko and other members of the Imperial Family of Japan to visit the Philippines.
TOKYO, Japan -- President Benigno S. Aquino III and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda on Tuesday held a productive first Summit Meeting in a cordial-forward looking and constructive atmosphere at the Prime Minister's Office (Kantei) here.
In their Joint Statement following their meeting, the two leaders confirmed the importance of improving the business environment and further promoting investments between Japan and the Philippines.
President Aquino affirmed his administration's commitment to promoting good and accountable governance and the improvement of the business environment, including continually enhancing administrative transparency and predictability.
During their meeting, Prime Minister Noda expressed his "high appreciation for the efforts of President Aquino."
According to the Joint Statement, the President had requested Japan's support for his administration's Public-Private Partnership program, which prioritizes infrastructure and development projects, in furtherance of the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016.
In his response, Prime Minister Noda said that Japan will support the improvement of the investment environment through active utilization of the Office Development Assistance (ODA), and thereby promote private investment and contribute to the development of the Philippines.
In this regard, Prime Minister Noda announced that Japan will dispatch a public-private mission to the Philippines by March 2012 and hold a seminar in Manila which will contribute to the improvement and development of infrastructure in the country.
The two leaders also stressed the importance of the exchange and cooperation between business groups such as the Japan-Philippines Economic-Joint Committee in advancing infrastructure development to encourage investments.
They likewise confirmed the importance of the timely conclusion of the Philippines' ongoing process with regard to the Japanese terrestrial digital TV broadcasting system. (PCOO)
President Aquino invites Their Majesties Emperor and Empress of Japan as well as Prime Minister Noda to visit PHL
TOKYO, Japan -- President Benigno S. Aquino III has conveyed his invitation for Their Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko and other members of the Imperial Family of Japan to visit the Philippines.
In a Joint Statement issued by the President and Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda following their Bilateral Summit Meeting at the Prime Minister's Office (Kantei) here, the Chief Executive invited the Imperial Family at a "mutually convenient opportunity."
His Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito is the eldest son and the fifth child of Emperor Hirohito (the Showa Emperor) and Empress Kojun.
Expressing his profound gratitude for the warm hospitality accorded him and his delegation by the Government of Japan during his four-day official working visit to Japan, President Aquino also invited Prime Minister Noda to visit the Philippines in 2012 at an opportunity convenient to both sides.
For his part, Prime Minister Noda expressed his gratitude for the invitation. (PCOO)
Aquino urges Japanese investors to look at investment prospects in the Philippines
TOKYO, Japan: President Benigno S. Aquino III urged the business leaders of Japan to see for themselves what the Philippines can offer them in terms of investments as he underscored the various corrective measures that his administration have already taken that would erase doubts among some who are exploring the idea of investing in the Philippines.
"We are undertaking these measures to create a more equitable business environment, where each project represents the Five "R's" we are espousing: Right Project, Right Cost, Right Quality, Right People and Right on Time," the President said in his speech on Tuesday at the luncheon hosted by the Japan and Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Japan Economic Cooperation Committee at the Tokyo Kaikan here.
"This is the only way to ensure that "your projects are beyond question by the public, or by succeeding administrations," the President stressed.
According to the President, his visit to Japan and his attendance to all his business meetings was "to share with them the bright prospects for the future of our partnership."
"I was elected into office with a clear mandate and it is my obligation to make the promises I made to my people real and felt by all," he said.
It is in this connection, the President said, that since he assumed Office in June 2010, his administration has been working round-the-clock to ensure that the reforms he had already put in place would improve the ability of Filipino citizens to put food on the table.
"First on our agenda was to eliminate certain roadblocks that turn away businessmen from investing in our country, in matters big and small," he added.
He noted that from "reducing red tape, simplifying the number of forms, and speeding up the time it takes to register a business, in small ways we can, and are, making a large improvement to the processes required for investments."
The President also said that his government is undertaking innovations, such as the Electronic Payment System for the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) applicable to four out of five selected transactions of PEZA enterprises.
"Local governments have begun to follow suit; as 79 local government Units have already streamlined their business permits and licensing system.
The President also told the business leaders present that his administration has vowed to follow formal processes for getting deals approved, such as proper and transparent bidding, to help eliminate the preponderance of under-the-table transactions with bloated commissions secretly pocketed by corrupt officials.
"All our efforts are governed by an overarching principle: an end to corruption means an end to poverty. This was our rallying cry during the campaign, and this is what will carry us through until the end of my administration in 2016, " he said.
Because of all these, President Aquino said, the results are encouraging. "Our stock markets shave hit all-time highs seven times since my administration took office. My country has received four positive rating actions from credit rating agencies in over a little more than a year," he said.
"We were able to fund even more projects without raising taxes in the past year and are also on target with our social service commitments,” the President said.
He expressed confidence that the positive trend will endure and strengthen further through Public-Private Partnership Programs and increase in foreign direct investments that the government hope to achieve.
"This is a good time to invest in the Philippines, because this culture of transparency we are cultivating will lead to a win-win situation for all stakeholders involved," the President said adding that he will continue to invest in infrastructure to make the Philippines attractive to those who want to establish their business in the country. (PCOO)
Aquino welcomes Japanese electronics firm to the Philippines
Tokyo, JAPAN: Japanese electronics components firm, Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd., introduced a new generation of technology in chips manufacturing which it plans to bring to the Philippines by establishing a power chip capacitor plant in the first Philippine Industrial Park in Laguna.
Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Sonny Coloma, Jr. relayed this information Tuesday following the business meeting of President Aquino with Murata officials at the Imperial Hotel.
Flashing a sample of a so-called “monolithic ceramic microchip capacitor” to the members of the Philippine media delegation, Coloma said the product would hit the Philippine electronics industry by October 2012 as Murata targets to complete its 23-hectare power chip capacitor plant in the country by then.
“You will see how microscopic the chips are—very small… This is the new generation of technology in chips manufacturing and Murata is establishing the plant in the Philippines,” Coloma told reporters during a press briefing at Tokyo Kaikan.
Coloma described Murata company as “one of the world’s largest makers of electronic components used in many devices such as computers, mobile phones, automotive navigation, airbag systems and medical equipment.”
Originally based in Nagaokakyo, Kyoto, Murata was started by its honorary chairman, Akira Murata, as a personal venture in October 1994. At present, it is considered as the leading company in manufacturing ceramic passive electronic components, primarily capacitors, and it has an overwhelming share worldwide in ceramic filters, high frequency parts, and sensors.
Murata Manufacturing reportedly has 23 subsidiaries in Japan and 31 overseas, including those in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Hungary, Finland, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Korea and China. (PCOO)
Aquino witnesses signing of business agreements with Japanese corporations
TOKYO, Japan ---President Benigno S. Aquino witnessed the signing of four business agreements designed to help improve the country's economic progress and development.
The four agreements, which were signed on Tuesday at the Imperial Hotel, follows:
-- Partnership Agreement between the Federal Land and the Orix Corporation on their Grand Hyatt Project with Francisco Sebastian, chairman of the Federal Land Inc. and Yoshihiko Miyauchi, chairman and chief executive officer of Orix Corporation signing the agreement.
-- Memorandum of Agreement between First Metro Investment Corporation and Mitsui and Co. Ltd. with Federal Land, Inc. chairman Sebastian signing the agreement on behalf of his company while managing officer and chief operating officer Tatsuo Nakayama inking the agreement on behalf of the Motor Vehicles and Construction Machinery Business Unit, Mitsui and Co. Ltd.
-- Reservation Agreement and Term Sheet of INGASCO and other Clark Development Corporation with Lawyer Felipe Antonio Remolio, president and chief executive officer of Clark Development Corporation and Masahiko Kitabatake, president of INGASCO, Inc. sealing the agreement.
-- Memorandum of Understanding between Transnational Diversified Group and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) Line with Xavier Delgado, director of Transnational Diversified Group and Naoya Tazawa, representative director and senior managing corporate director of Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) Line signing the agreement. (PCOO)
Malacanang announces expansion of Toyota Motors Corporation in the Philippines
Tokyo, Japan: Multinational automaker Toyota Motors Corporation will be expanding its dealership network in the Philippines from 29 to 65 by 2016, thereby placing a 3.6 billion pesos worth of fresh investments in the country and is expected to generate an estimated 5,000 jobs for the Filipinos.
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. announced this development Tuesday following President Benigno S. Aquino III’s successful business meeting with top executives of Toyota at the Imperial Hotel.
Coloma relayed that with this fresh commitment from Toyota, their total investments in the Philippines have now reached 20 billion pesos. Their 2010 exports alone reached 860 million dollars which constitutes about 30 percent of the Philippines’ total automotive exports.
“They are now looking at a short-term project [worth] 170-million US dollars [for its] planned improvement for next generation components, manufacturing and localization of spare parts in connection with their manufacturing activities here [in Japan],” Coloma told reporters during a press briefing held at Tokyo Kaikan.
Toyota currently has 35,000 employees in the Philippines and has an ongoing corporate social responsibility project which is the reforestation development in Peñablanca, Cagayan. Coloma said Toyota plans to produce 100,000 cars by 2013 in time for the celebration of its 25th anniversary in the Philippines.
Coloma said the 100,000 cars project pertain to Toyota’s actual production. They are currently manufacturing Innova and Vios models in Japan and are importing Camry and Lexus types along with many other car models.
“For manufacturing facilities—they are looking at the feasibility of establishing a next generation components manufacturing plant. They are now using this term ‘next generation’—probably referring to hybrid or electric cars—so there will be a higher degree of digitization in the components of the next generation cars,” Coloma stated.
Founded in 1937 by Japanese entrepreneur Kiichiro Toyoda, Toyota has become the world’s biggest automobile manufacturer by production in 2010 and is now considered as one of the world’s largest conglomerates in the motoring industry with Daihatsu Motor Co. Ltd., Lexus, and Hino Motors serving as its subsidiaries.
President Aquino who is a known car enthusiast recalled that his father, Senator Benigno ‘Ninoy’ Aquino, Jr. used to drive a Toyota Crown sedan which was transferred to his possession later on.
Coloma said the President shared this particular memory to the Toyota company officials led by Yukitoshi Funo (executive vice president), Michinobu Sugata (president, Toyota Philippines), and Alfred V. Ty (vice chairman, Toyota Philippines) as an “icebreaker” during their meeting.
“This was the car that he [President Aquino] inherited and he liked driving the Toyota Crown. That was what came into his mind when he talked with the people from Toyota,” Coloma said. (PCOO)
Aquino and Prime Minister Noda welcome smooth implementation of agreement between Japan and Philippine Economic Partnership
TOKYO, Japan --- President Benigno S. Aquino III and Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda of Japan welcomed on Tuesday the smooth implementation and operation of the agreement between Japan and the Philippines for an Economic Partnership (JPEPA).
In a Joint Statement following their Bilateral Summit Meeting at the Prime Minister's Office (Kantei), the two leaders also welcomed the convening of the Joint Committee and Sub-Committee established under the agreement including the recent meeting of the Sub-Committee on the Improvement of the Business Environment which was held in Manila on September 15.
The Joint Statement said President Aquino and Prime Minister Noda confirmed the importance of continuing dialogues with Japanese business groups to further promote investments.
Furthermore, it said, that the two leaders recognized that the promotion of the movement of natural persons under the agreement "will serve the two countries' interests, and decided to continue consultations in order to further improve the current situation including including the smooth dispatch and acceptance of Filipino candidates for qualified nurses and certified caseworkers."
The President, according to the same statement, expressed his gratitude for various measures taken by the government of Japan to support Filipino candidates, such as introducing Japanese language training before their dispatch to Japan, and welcomed ongoing cooperation between the governments.
"President Aquino emphasized the importance of increasing the passing rates of Filipino nurses in the Japanese National Examination for nurses," the Joint Statement further said.
The two leaders likewise confirmed that both governments will cooperate towards a successful first General Review of the agreement pursuant to Article 161 of the agreement to maximize mutual benefit. (PCOO)
Aquino and Noda cite concrete forms of cooperation to further reinforce strategic partnership with Japan
TOKYO, Japan --- President Benigno S. Aquino III and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda on Tuesday shared the view that Japan and the Philippines, as neighboring countries connected by special bonds of friendship, will help promote the following concrete forms of cooperation in a comprehensive manner to further reinforce their "strategic partnership."
In their Joint Statement following their Bilateral Summit Meeting at the Prime Minister's Office (Kantei) here, the two leaders identified the two concrete forms of cooperation as follows: maintaining and strengthening high level bilateral relations and mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of economics.
During their meeting, the two leaders also expressed satisfaction that the two countries enjoy dynamic and mutually beneficial economic cooperations including robust trade, investments and development cooperation.
Prime Minister Noda noted that taking in the vitality of Asian countries, including the Philippines, which, he said, "are developing dynamically and sustainably,” is essential for Japan's economic growth.
For his part, President Aquino also welcomed Japan's policy to strengthen economic relations with Asian countries.
The two leaders likewise shared the view that it is important to further deepen the close economic relations between the two countries.
Earlier in his opening statement after their summit meeting, President Aquino stressed that Japan is one of the most important allies, consistently ranking among the country's top sources of investments and official development assistance.
"Our active bilateral engagement combined with shared values and our many common advocacies in the global arena, have truly made our relations a strategic partnership.
According to the President, development cooperation is one of the pillars of this strategic partnership,” the President said.
He thanked Prime Minister Noda for affirming the Philippines as an important target country for Japanese official development assistance (ODA), and for Japan's assurances to sustain said assistance at current levels.
"I thanked the Prime Minister for extending us new a ODA," the President stressed.
President Aquino also said that he was elated to witness with Prime Minister Noda the Exchanges of Notes on the Yen Loan for the Forestland Management Project worth 9.22 Billion Yen, or about P5.87 Billion which will help preserve critical river basins in the Philippines spanning four regions. (PCOO)
Aquino and Prime Minister Noda reaffirm Importance of peace in Mindanao
TOKYO, Japan: President Benigno S. Aquino III and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda reaffirmed the importance of peace in Midanao for regional security and stability.
In a Joint Statement following the two leaders bilateral summit meeting at the Prime Minister's Office here, President Aquino underscored his administration's commitment to securing peace in Mindanao and expressed his gratitude to the government of Japan for its continued contribution to the Mindanao peace process.
The President also thanked Japan for its assistance in facilitating his meeting with the Moro Islamic Kiberation Front (MILF) leadership in Japan on August 4, 2011, which, he said pushed the peace process forward.
In response, Prime Minister Noda said that the government of Japan will continue to send development experts to the International Monitoring Team (IMT) to implement Japanese-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD) projects, to contribute through the International Contact Group (ICG) and to conduct the Mindanao Young Leaders Invitational Program, among others.
The Japanese official also said that with regard to the J-BIRD projects, his county will adopt two technical cooperation projects, namely, "Rice-based farming technology extension project for the autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao" and "capacity-building in support of the community development for conflict-affected areas in Mindanao," which were requested by the Philippines.
In this connection, President Aquino expressed his appreciation to Japan. (PCOO)
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Japanese Prime Minister expresses gratitude to PHL for emergency relief assistance and dispatch of medical team to disaster-affected areas in Japan
TOKYO, Japan: Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda expressed his profound gratitude to the Philippines for the provision of emergency relief supplies and dispatch of a medical assistance team to disaster-affected areas in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake
In a Joint Statement following his bilateral summit meeting with President Benigno S. Aquino III at the Prime Minister's Office here, Prime Minister Noda stressed his determination to make utmost efforts for a reconstruction open to the world, while strengthening the "Kizuna" bonds of friendship with the international community and "taking in the vitality" of foreign countries.
He pointed out that Japan will share the experiences and lessons learnt from the accident at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station with the international community and thereby contribute to enhancing global nuclear safety.
For his part, President Aquino also reiterated his condolences to the victims of the earthquake and their families, and reaffirmed the country's readiness to extend further assistance within its capacity, emphasizing that such support is a testament to the Filipino people's friendship and solidarity with the people of Japan.
The President expressed confidence that Japan will recover soon and continue to play an active role in the international community. (PCOO)
Aquino and Prime Minister Noda vow to work for success of UN Framework on Climate Change meeting in South Africa
TOKYO, Japan: President Benigno S. Aquino III and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda confirmed the importance of establishing a fair and effective international framework with the participation of all major economies based on the Cancun Agreements and through a transparent and inclusive process.
In a Joint Statement after their bilateral summit meeting at the Kantei, the Office of the Prime Minister here, the two leaders decided to work together constructively for the success of the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP17) meeting which will be held in the Republic of South Africa from November 28 to December 9 this year.
During their meeting, Prime Minister Noda renewed his government's willingness to promote the East Asia Low Carbon Growth Partnership and to work with the Philippines in achieving the objectives of the partnership, to which President Aquino expressed his support. (PCOO)
Japanese Prime Minister expresses gratitude to PHL for emergency relief assistance and dispatch of medical team to disaster-affected areas in Japan
TOKYO, Japan: Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda expressed his profound gratitude to the Philippines for the provision of emergency relief supplies and dispatch of a medical assistance team to disaster-affected areas in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake
In a Joint Statement following his bilateral summit meeting with President Benigno S. Aquino III at the Prime Minister's Office here, Prime Minister Noda stressed his determination to make utmost efforts for a reconstruction open to the world, while strengthening the "Kizuna" bonds of friendship with the international community and "taking in the vitality" of foreign countries.
He pointed out that Japan will share the experiences and lessons learnt from the accident at TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station with the international community and thereby contribute to enhancing global nuclear safety.
For his part, President Aquino also reiterated his condolences to the victims of the earthquake and their families, and reaffirmed the country's readiness to extend further assistance within its capacity, emphasizing that such support is a testament to the Filipino people's friendship and solidarity with the people of Japan.
The President expressed confidence that Japan will recover soon and continue to play an active role in the international community. (PCOO)
Aquino and Prime Minister Noda vow to work for success of UN Framework on Climate Change meeting in South Africa
TOKYO, Japan: President Benigno S. Aquino III and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda confirmed the importance of establishing a fair and effective international framework with the participation of all major economies based on the Cancun Agreements and through a transparent and inclusive process.
In a Joint Statement after their bilateral summit meeting at the Kantei, the Office of the Prime Minister here, the two leaders decided to work together constructively for the success of the 17th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP17) meeting which will be held in the Republic of South Africa from November 28 to December 9 this year.
During their meeting, Prime Minister Noda renewed his government's willingness to promote the East Asia Low Carbon Growth Partnership and to work with the Philippines in achieving the objectives of the partnership, to which President Aquino expressed his support. (PCOO)
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Aquino expresses gratitude for the support Japan has extended for poverty reduction and economic development
TOKYO, Japan -- President Benigno S. Aquino expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the support Japan, as the top donor country to the Philippines, has extended for poverty reduction and economic development in the Philippines.
The President's expression of gratitude was contained in a Joint Statement after his first Bilateral Summit Meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda at the Prime Minister's Office (Kantei) here.
In response, the Japanese official vowed to continue its assistance to the Philippines as an important Official Development Assistance (ODA) target country.
The two leaders also emphasized the importance of the Japanese ODA loan project"Forestland Management Project" for disaster management as well as addressing climate change.
They also welcomed the signing and exchange of notes for the project that took place on Tuesday also at the Kantei, Prime Minister's Office.
At the same time, the two leaders welcomed the entry into force on April 8 this year of the Agreement on Technical Cooperation between Japan and the Philippines.
President Aquino and Prime Minister Noda likewise decided to continue to promote maritime connectivity in the Philippines and its surrounding area through their support for the "Maritime ASEAN Economic Corridor," the initiatives to contribute to the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC), and cooperation under the framework of the Japan-BIMP EAGA (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area), while coordinating with the Comprehensive Asia Development Plan (CADP) formulated by the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA). (PCOO)
Nikkei group invites Aquino to annual future of Asia Forum next year
Tokyo, JAPAN: President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday received an invitation from the Nikkei group of publications to serve as its guest speaker for the annual Future of Asia forum in Japan that will be held on May 24 to 25 next year.
Nikkei president Ryoko Sugita extended the invitation during his courtesy call with the President at The Salon of Tokyo’s Imperial Hotel. He also invited the Philippine leader to visit Kyoto at the same time “to meet with a descendant of the Grandmaster of the Tea Ceremony.”
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said the President thanked Mr. Sugita for the invitation and “will seriously consider” it if his schedule of activities lined up for next year permits him to accept the same.
“The Grandmaster was a Christian at a time when Christianity was officially banned in Japan. The President said there’s a monument in honor of the Grandmaster near his residence in Quezon City,” Coloma said as he relayed some of the exchanges between Mr. Sugita and the President.
Future of Asia is an international conference held annually in Japan where government leaders and top business executives from the Asia-Pacific region present their latest ideas for generating positive and lasting change in the region.
Other Philippine heads-of-state including former Presidents Fidel V. Ramos and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo have graced invitations from Nikkei to speak at the Future of Asia forums. President Arroyo attended the 8th, 9th, and 13th conferences in 2002, 2003, and 2007, respectively, while President Ramos went there in 2004.
Mr. Sugita was accompanied by his fellow Nikkei officials namely, Naotoshi Okada (managing director and editor-in-chief), Rinji Takeoka (director, International Business Bureau), Rinichiro Nagasawa (deputy general-manager, IBB), Toru Yoshida (Editor of the Asia and Oceania News Department), and Shigeru Komago (managing director for broadcasting and telecommunications strategy). (PCOO)
Aquino sums up four-day working visit to Japan as “very successful”
Tokyo, JAPAN: President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed an overwhelming gratitude to the people of Japan and its government for their hospitality as he prepared to wrap up his very successful four-day official working visit here.
During his traditional late evening engagement with the members of the Philippine media delegation, President Aquino said he was very heartened by the fact that Japan decided to sustain its 9.2 billion yen official development assistance (ODA) to the Philippines notwithstanding the earthquake and tsunami that swallowed its Tohoku region only last March.
“So there’s a commitment na ime-maintain ‘yung ODA assistance sa atin eh. So in spite of their difficulties, handa pa rin silang tumulong sa atin, paano naman hindi ikagagalak ng kalooban mo ‘yon, ‘di ba?” the President told reporters, Tuesday evening.
President Aquino also mentioned that all the business leaders he met the entire Tuesday manifested keen interest to expand their existing investments in the Philippines especially those that are involved in the energy sector.
Most, if not all, of the companies producing power in Japan had to voluntarily reduce their energy consumption following the Great East Japan Earthquake, thereby prompting their owners to review their policy and consider transferring some of their operations to other locations overseas.
President Aquino also mentioned that Japan has reaffirmed its commitment to continue assisting the Philippines in its ongoing peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front as a member of the International Monitoring Team. He said Japan shall keep its projects under the Japan Bangsamoro Initiative for Reconstruction and Development Program.
The Japanese government further committed aid to strengthen the capability of the Philippine Coast Guard—both in terms of manpower and equipment—in its protection of the West Philippine Sea in keeping with its bid for freedom of navigation.
President Aquino said freedom of navigation is very important for the Japanese since all their oil exports pass through the West Philippine Sea. He underscored that Japan has been very supportive of the Philippines’ position to settle the dispute among claimant countries before the international law.
The President, moreover, said Japan through Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda also expressed commitment to look into the Philippines’ problem with respect to the low passing rate of nurses in the country during the annual licensure exams.
President Aquino said Prime Minister Noda was “quite positive” when he mentioned about the problem of nurses in the Philippines and the Japanese leader promised him that they will “review the procedures and see if it is too stringent”.
“Pero, syempre, I don’t think he [Noda] is in a position to commit right now that we’ll have 3,000 by next year, 5,000 by the other,” the President clarified. He, however, mentioned that there was an offer to invite 400 Filipino nursing students to study in Japan as part of the people exchange program. (PCOO)
Malacanang announces Marubeni Corporation has vowed to sustain partnership with local businesses
TOKYO, Japan: Marubeni Corp., one of the largest Japanese companies, rolled out several projects for the Philippines in partnership with Filipino companies following a four-day visit of President Benigno S. Aquino III in Japan. Top executives of Marubeni Corp. met the President Tuesday morning.
According to Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. Marubeni is partnering with Philippine-based companies such Aboitiz Group of Companies and the San Miguel Corp. (SMC) in carrying out big ticket projects in the country.
Marubeni is linking up with Aboitiz Group of Companies for the expansion of the Pagbilao Coal Power Plant, constructing the Leyte-Mindanao interconnection power project, and putting up the Waste Water Treatment project in Metro Manila. On the other hand, the company is working with SMC for the expansion of its power-generation facility in Sual, Pangasinan.
“It’s quite a significant number of portfolio projects that Marubeni is involved [with] and this was by way of an update on their letter of intent given to the President, I believe, last year at the sidelines of the APEC Yokohama Summit. They are reporting that significant progress has been made in all of these fronts,” Coloma said during a press briefing held at Tokyo Kaikan.
Coloma told reporters that the feasibility study for the Pagbilao Coal Power Plant expansion as well as environmental issues have already been settled noting that the entire project could be finished by 2015 based on Marubeni’s timetable. The company was able to finalize the first 300-megawatt component with Aboitiz as the EPC contractor
Marubeni is now in the process of finalizing the financial package and the EPC or Engineering Procurement and Construction contract, Coloma said.
Aside from the expansion of its facilities in Sual, Pangasinan in partnership with SMC, Coloma said Marubeni announced putting up a 600-megawatt coal-powered plant in Subic Bay Freeport that could cost $1 billion.
Coloma added that the Department of Energy is working with Marubeni to ensure that its business ventures will be environment friendly.
Another Marubeni’s project under Aboitiz partnership is the Leyte-Mindanao interconnection energy project that will address power shortages in the Visayas and Mindanao as well as reducing the high cost of energy in the country.
“And in terms of Mindanao, the President commented that there will be significant dividends from the peace process. If the peace process is completed—meaning, the negotiations with the MILF—then there could be more projects for development in Mindanao,” Coloma said.
The Aquino administration is also working for the amendments to the Local Government Code so that companies investing in projects with national significance could continue enjoy tax breaks and incentives while maintaining good relationship with their host communities, Coloma added. (PCOO)
More Japanese business leaders express interest in investing says Coloma
Tokyo, JAPAN: More business leaders met with President Benigno S. Aquino III Wednesday hours prior to his departure for Manila as part of his activities for the fourth and final day of his official working visit here.
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Aquino expresses gratitude for the support Japan has extended for poverty reduction and economic development
TOKYO, Japan -- President Benigno S. Aquino expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the support Japan, as the top donor country to the Philippines, has extended for poverty reduction and economic development in the Philippines.
The President's expression of gratitude was contained in a Joint Statement after his first Bilateral Summit Meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda at the Prime Minister's Office (Kantei) here.
In response, the Japanese official vowed to continue its assistance to the Philippines as an important Official Development Assistance (ODA) target country.
The two leaders also emphasized the importance of the Japanese ODA loan project"Forestland Management Project" for disaster management as well as addressing climate change.
They also welcomed the signing and exchange of notes for the project that took place on Tuesday also at the Kantei, Prime Minister's Office.
At the same time, the two leaders welcomed the entry into force on April 8 this year of the Agreement on Technical Cooperation between Japan and the Philippines.
President Aquino and Prime Minister Noda likewise decided to continue to promote maritime connectivity in the Philippines and its surrounding area through their support for the "Maritime ASEAN Economic Corridor," the initiatives to contribute to the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC), and cooperation under the framework of the Japan-BIMP EAGA (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area), while coordinating with the Comprehensive Asia Development Plan (CADP) formulated by the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA). (PCOO)
Nikkei group invites Aquino to annual future of Asia Forum next year
Tokyo, JAPAN: President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday received an invitation from the Nikkei group of publications to serve as its guest speaker for the annual Future of Asia forum in Japan that will be held on May 24 to 25 next year.
Nikkei president Ryoko Sugita extended the invitation during his courtesy call with the President at The Salon of Tokyo’s Imperial Hotel. He also invited the Philippine leader to visit Kyoto at the same time “to meet with a descendant of the Grandmaster of the Tea Ceremony.”
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said the President thanked Mr. Sugita for the invitation and “will seriously consider” it if his schedule of activities lined up for next year permits him to accept the same.
“The Grandmaster was a Christian at a time when Christianity was officially banned in Japan. The President said there’s a monument in honor of the Grandmaster near his residence in Quezon City,” Coloma said as he relayed some of the exchanges between Mr. Sugita and the President.
Future of Asia is an international conference held annually in Japan where government leaders and top business executives from the Asia-Pacific region present their latest ideas for generating positive and lasting change in the region.
Other Philippine heads-of-state including former Presidents Fidel V. Ramos and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo have graced invitations from Nikkei to speak at the Future of Asia forums. President Arroyo attended the 8th, 9th, and 13th conferences in 2002, 2003, and 2007, respectively, while President Ramos went there in 2004.
Mr. Sugita was accompanied by his fellow Nikkei officials namely, Naotoshi Okada (managing director and editor-in-chief), Rinji Takeoka (director, International Business Bureau), Rinichiro Nagasawa (deputy general-manager, IBB), Toru Yoshida (Editor of the Asia and Oceania News Department), and Shigeru Komago (managing director for broadcasting and telecommunications strategy). (PCOO)
Aquino sums up four-day working visit to Japan as “very successful”
Tokyo, JAPAN: President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed an overwhelming gratitude to the people of Japan and its government for their hospitality as he prepared to wrap up his very successful four-day official working visit here.
During his traditional late evening engagement with the members of the Philippine media delegation, President Aquino said he was very heartened by the fact that Japan decided to sustain its 9.2 billion yen official development assistance (ODA) to the Philippines notwithstanding the earthquake and tsunami that swallowed its Tohoku region only last March.
“So there’s a commitment na ime-maintain ‘yung ODA assistance sa atin eh. So in spite of their difficulties, handa pa rin silang tumulong sa atin, paano naman hindi ikagagalak ng kalooban mo ‘yon, ‘di ba?” the President told reporters, Tuesday evening.
President Aquino also mentioned that all the business leaders he met the entire Tuesday manifested keen interest to expand their existing investments in the Philippines especially those that are involved in the energy sector.
Most, if not all, of the companies producing power in Japan had to voluntarily reduce their energy consumption following the Great East Japan Earthquake, thereby prompting their owners to review their policy and consider transferring some of their operations to other locations overseas.
President Aquino also mentioned that Japan has reaffirmed its commitment to continue assisting the Philippines in its ongoing peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front as a member of the International Monitoring Team. He said Japan shall keep its projects under the Japan Bangsamoro Initiative for Reconstruction and Development Program.
The Japanese government further committed aid to strengthen the capability of the Philippine Coast Guard—both in terms of manpower and equipment—in its protection of the West Philippine Sea in keeping with its bid for freedom of navigation.
President Aquino said freedom of navigation is very important for the Japanese since all their oil exports pass through the West Philippine Sea. He underscored that Japan has been very supportive of the Philippines’ position to settle the dispute among claimant countries before the international law.
The President, moreover, said Japan through Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda also expressed commitment to look into the Philippines’ problem with respect to the low passing rate of nurses in the country during the annual licensure exams.
President Aquino said Prime Minister Noda was “quite positive” when he mentioned about the problem of nurses in the Philippines and the Japanese leader promised him that they will “review the procedures and see if it is too stringent”.
“Pero, syempre, I don’t think he [Noda] is in a position to commit right now that we’ll have 3,000 by next year, 5,000 by the other,” the President clarified. He, however, mentioned that there was an offer to invite 400 Filipino nursing students to study in Japan as part of the people exchange program. (PCOO)
Malacanang announces Marubeni Corporation has vowed to sustain partnership with local businesses
TOKYO, Japan: Marubeni Corp., one of the largest Japanese companies, rolled out several projects for the Philippines in partnership with Filipino companies following a four-day visit of President Benigno S. Aquino III in Japan. Top executives of Marubeni Corp. met the President Tuesday morning.
According to Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. Marubeni is partnering with Philippine-based companies such Aboitiz Group of Companies and the San Miguel Corp. (SMC) in carrying out big ticket projects in the country.
Marubeni is linking up with Aboitiz Group of Companies for the expansion of the Pagbilao Coal Power Plant, constructing the Leyte-Mindanao interconnection power project, and putting up the Waste Water Treatment project in Metro Manila. On the other hand, the company is working with SMC for the expansion of its power-generation facility in Sual, Pangasinan.
“It’s quite a significant number of portfolio projects that Marubeni is involved [with] and this was by way of an update on their letter of intent given to the President, I believe, last year at the sidelines of the APEC Yokohama Summit. They are reporting that significant progress has been made in all of these fronts,” Coloma said during a press briefing held at Tokyo Kaikan.
Coloma told reporters that the feasibility study for the Pagbilao Coal Power Plant expansion as well as environmental issues have already been settled noting that the entire project could be finished by 2015 based on Marubeni’s timetable. The company was able to finalize the first 300-megawatt component with Aboitiz as the EPC contractor
Marubeni is now in the process of finalizing the financial package and the EPC or Engineering Procurement and Construction contract, Coloma said.
Aside from the expansion of its facilities in Sual, Pangasinan in partnership with SMC, Coloma said Marubeni announced putting up a 600-megawatt coal-powered plant in Subic Bay Freeport that could cost $1 billion.
Coloma added that the Department of Energy is working with Marubeni to ensure that its business ventures will be environment friendly.
Another Marubeni’s project under Aboitiz partnership is the Leyte-Mindanao interconnection energy project that will address power shortages in the Visayas and Mindanao as well as reducing the high cost of energy in the country.
“And in terms of Mindanao, the President commented that there will be significant dividends from the peace process. If the peace process is completed—meaning, the negotiations with the MILF—then there could be more projects for development in Mindanao,” Coloma said.
The Aquino administration is also working for the amendments to the Local Government Code so that companies investing in projects with national significance could continue enjoy tax breaks and incentives while maintaining good relationship with their host communities, Coloma added. (PCOO)
More Japanese business leaders express interest in investing says Coloma
Tokyo, JAPAN: More business leaders met with President Benigno S. Aquino III Wednesday hours prior to his departure for Manila as part of his activities for the fourth and final day of his official working visit here.
Members of the Asian Business Council led by Nobuyuki Idei, long-time chief executive officer (CEO) of Sony Corporation, spoke with the President to discuss business prospects for the Philippines as they conveyed great interest to invest in the country.
Yoshihiko Miyauchi, chairman and CEO of Orix Corporation, observed that the level of Japanese investments in the Philippines seemed to have slowed and his company would like this situation to be improved significantly, according to Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr.
“He [Miyauchi] noted that the timing of the President’s visit is quite good as many Japanese companies are willing to invest in the country. He mentioned ship building as an industry with good potential,” Coloma added.
Idei reported that his Sony Corporation has recently established a call center company in the Philippines. President Aquino cited the business process outsourcing industry as one of the major contributors for the government’s total revenue of about 14 billion pesos with 640,000 of jobs generated.
Coloma said the Council members inquired what were the strategically important businesses in the Philippines today and the President answered that tourism was on top of the list as it could be considered as a “low-lying fruit”.
Quoting Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Coloma said the ASEAN integration will be realized by 2013 and this will be a good investment opportunity for Japanese companies.
Apart from his Cabinet secretaries, President Aquino was accompanied by the members of his business delegation led by SM Investments Corp.’s vice chairman Tessie Sy-Coson and Magsaysay Maritime Co.’s chief executive officer Doris Magsaysay-Ho.
After his engagement with the Asian Business Council, the President met with the members of Japan Shipowners’ Association (JSA) led by its president Akimitsu Ashida. Coloma said President Aquino thanked JSA for its “continuing efforts to combat piracy, especially in Somalia, to ensure the safety of Filipino seafarers”.
JSA companies employ around 35,000 Filipino seafarers and they continue to make substantial investments in equipment to upgrade training and development, according to Eduardo Manese, president of the Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council and chairman of Magsaysay Maritime Corp. (PCOO)
Marubeni corporation to invest in transport, waste management sector
TOKYO, Japan: Japan’s Marubeni Corp. has shown interest in investing in the country’s transport and waste water management sector following the visit of President Benigno S. Aquino III in Japan.
Marubeni Corp., one of the largest Japanese companies, is currently working on a waste water treatment project for Metro Manila, the LRT Line 1 South extension and MRT-7 project, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma, Jr. said in a media briefing in Tokyo.
Coloma said Marubeni is partnering with big Philippine-based companies such as Aboitiz Group of Companies and the San Miguel Corp. (SMC) in carrying out big ticket projects in the country.
Top executives of Marubeni Corp. met the President Tuesday morning.
Based on the President’s instruction, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson is currently working to organize a National Water Management Coordinating Council in connection with the waste water management project for Metro Manila under Marubeni, Coloma said.
“The President noted that responsibility for water is presently divided among several government agencies and he wants tighter coordination so we can manage this very important area of our natural resources. Marubeni offered assistance in terms of finance also leading edge technology in the area of water which, as I pointed out earlier, they consider to be a strategic area in their portfolio,” Coloma said.
With respect to Marubeni’s LRT Line 1 South extension project, to be construction in partnership with SMC, Coloma said the company is “looking at a possible turnkey project similar to its Australian experience” in building railway system. (PCOO)
Aquino commits to settle digital TV issue by early 2012
TOKYO, Japan: President Benigno Aquino III made an assurance that the Philippines will soon complete its technical evaluation of its digital television format in the first quarter of 2012.
During a roundtable discussion between President Aquino and Japanese leaders, Marubeni Corp., one of Japan’s major companies raised its concerns over the Digital TV issue in the Philippines, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma, Jr. said in a media briefing in Tokyo.
Coloma said that the President told Marubeni that the National Telecommunication Commission is still in the process of evaluating the issue given the rapid developments in communications technology.
Coloma said that when the issue was first raised last year, the dominant standard was the European standard. There was a Europe I standard and since then a Europe II standard has also come up and the President pointed out that the Philippines in the past adopted the betamax standard when the rest of the world had the VHS format, he said.
Settling the standard issues is the reason why the President wants a more deliberate technical evaluation process to ensure that there will be no disruption in the social or cultural aspect, Coloma explained.
“The President mentioned that watching television is a major activity among our people, even citing that during the political campaign, the schedule of rallies at night had to be synchronized with the schedule of the popular telenovelas,” Coloma said.
“He said we don’t want any disruption arising from technology mismatch and this is why he said that the process is still ongoing. He mentioned that the decision on the technical evaluation would be completed by the first quarter of 2012,” he added.
Top executives of Marubeni met the President Tuesday committing several big ticket projects in the country in partnership with major Philippine companies like San Miguel Corp. and Aboitiz Group of Companies. (PCOO)
Government ready to implement safety measures as two more typhoons are expected
Malacanang assured on Wednesday that the government has enough stand-by funds for the affected local government units (LGUs) and the people after typhoon Pedring battered Luzon saying it is ready to implement measures as two more typhoons are expected to enter the Philippines, a Palace official said.
"The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has enough stand-by funds for the relief goods that can be immediately released when necessary on top of the assistance of the DSWD regional offices to affected LGUs," Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday.
While concerned government agencies are working hard to mitigate the effects of typhoon Pedring, Valte said that measures are now in place following the warning of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) that two more typhoons are expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility in the coming days.
Typhoon Quiel and another typhoon are expected to enter the Philippines and the PAGASA issued the forecast as early as Tuesday. "Kahit naman po sa Pedring, two days pa lang bago dumating, nagbigay ng warning ang PAGASA," Valte said.
"Sa update in the aftermath of typhoon Pedring, the DSWD through regional offices nagprepositioned po ng food and non-food items allocations in five provinces namely Cagayan, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya Batanes and Isabela," she said.
DSWD OIC- Secretary Undersecretary Alicia R. Bala has directed all social welfare and development (SWAD) teams and Quick Response Teams (QRTs) to continue to coordinate with their counterparts in the affected LGUs to ensure quick provision of augmentation assistance, when necessary.
She said social workers were deployed in all evacuation centers to provide assistance to evacuees. Aside from helping in the search and rescue efforts, the Philippine National Police (PNP) also deployed "storm patrols" to ensure the safety of the evacuees in the evacuation centers.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) deployed assets and clearing teams in affected areas. The department in coordination with the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) also started repairing the damaged bridges and roads.
The Department of Health (DOH) placed its Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS) and Centers for Health Development (CHDs) in the affected areas on code white alert.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection also assisted the local governments in evacuating people and the conduct of rescue and operations," she said.
Valte said the people learned their lessons from the past calamities and even cited the case of Marikina residents who decided to leave their houses even before the city imposed forced evacuation. (PCOO)
Aquino reiterates invitation to Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress of Japan to visit PHL
TOKYO, Japan: President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday reiterated his invitation to Their Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko and other members of the Imperial Family of Japan to visit the Philippines at a mutually convenient opportunity.
The President echoed the reiteration of his official invitation during his State Call on His Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito at the Audience Room of the Imperial Palace on Wednesday.
The President, who arrived at the Imperial Palace at 11: 20, was accompanied by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas, and other officials.
After the State Call, the President also attended the State Luncheon tendered in his honor by His Imperial Majesty the Emperor.
Emperor Akihito is the eldest son and the fifth child of Emperor Hirohito (the Showa Emperor) and Empress Kojun. The Emperor and the Empress have three children, namely, His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince Naruhito, His Imperial Highness The Prince Akishino, and Her Imperial Highness Sayako Kuroda, formerly Her imperial Highness The Princess Sayako. (PCOO)
