MANILA -- The Japanese government on Friday pledged to provide the Philippines a loan of up to USD202.04 million (about PHP10.62 billion) for the construction of road networks in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.
The Japanese Embassy in Manila said Ambassador Koji Haneda relayed Tokyo's plan to extend the loan during a meeting with Public Works Secretary Mark Villar.
"Based on this pledge, the Government of Japan and the Government of the Philippines are scheduled to sign an exchange of notes concerning the yen loan in the future," the Embassy said in a statement.
Through this Japan-assisted project, officially the "Road Network Development Project in Conflict-Affected Areas in Mindanao (RNDP)", access roads linking the region's main cities will be constructed or refurbished, specifically in the areas of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, and Sultan Kudarat.
The newly-pledged RNDP will cover the Matanog-Barira-Alamada-Libungan Road; the Parang-Balabagan Road; the Tapian-Lobok Coastal Road; the Marawi City Ring Road; the Parang East Diversion Road; and the Manungan-Parang Road.
The Embassy said these road networks will not only improve accessibility but also contribute to peace and development in the area.
"Acknowledging decades of conflict having slowed down Mindanao’s socioeconomic development, said road project seeks to foster economic activity, ensure smooth commodity flow, and improve the region’s accessibility," it stated.
Japan has been supporting Mindanao’s development since 2006 with the launch of the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD).
Tokyo has since provided a total of 26 billion yen (about PHP12.49 billion), which includes more than 824 community infrastructure, such as school and clinics. (PNA)
