The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has signed partnership deals with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), as well as two Japanese companies, for the development and promotion of projects supporting green energy transition, and environmental and social sustainability.
BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang formalized the agreements with Japanese partners last September 30 at the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo during its four-day official mission to Japan, the BCDA said in a statement on Wednesday.
The agency said the agreements ‘signify the strong economic relations between the Japanese and Philippine governments’ and show Japanese confidence in its capacity to drive sustainable development, foster innovation, and implement transformative projects across BCDA-managed economic zones.
Under a memorandum of agreement (MOU) signed with JBIC Managing Executive Officer and Global Head of Infrastructure and Environment Finance Hiroki Sekine, JBIC will help reinforce the BCDA’s relations with the Japanese business community and promote Japanese companies’ participation in BCDA’s green and sustainable initiatives.
The Japanese financial institution has also expressed its willingness to consider strategic funding options to support such sustainable development projects, BCDA said.
In the same occasion, Bingcang also signed MOUs with industrial and engineering firm Kanadevia Corporation (KVC) and telecommunications firms IPS Inc. and InfiniVAN Inc.
KVC will conduct of preliminary feasibility studies on the development of a waste-to-energy (WTE) facility in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, a project that BCDA said ‘aligns with the goal of transforming New Clark City into a green and resilient metropolis by introducing sustainable solutions and fostering a circular economy.’
Meanwhile, IPS Inc. and InfiniVAN Inc. will explore potential collaborative projects that will maximize the utilization of BCDA’s information and communications technology (ICT) assets in the Poro Point Freeport Zone in La Union and other BCDA-administered zones.
‘This will contribute to the implementation of the Luzon Bypass Infrastructure Program by ensuring that high-speed internet connectivity reaches local communities and benefits Filipinos,’ BCDA said.
Bingcang said the collaboration projects with Japanese partners are expected to ‘deliver direct benefits to Filipinos by creating jobs, attracting investments, and improving quality of life.’
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene de Joya Garcia-Albano, who witnessed the signing of MOUs, said the agreements ‘represent a shared commitment to collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth.’
‘We are confident that these MOUs will pave the way for more meaningful business opportunities, foster stronger partnerships, and deliver tangible benefits not only to the companies involved but also to the broader Philippine-Japan economic relationship,’ Garcia-Albano said.
The BCDA also said its delegation will also meet with officials of the Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport and Urban Development to align directions and strategies for the development of New Clark City.
The BCDA team will also visit the Shinagawa Waste-to-Energy Plant to benchmark operations and observe the management and technical aspects of the facilities before it wraps up its mission on October 3.