President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. secured an additional P56.3 billion worth of potential investments from Japanese firms following a series of meetings during his state visit to Japan on Thursday, May 28.
According to a "Damdaming Bayan" report by RH Leth Narciso, the planned investments are expected to support projects in shipbuilding, electronics manufacturing, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence-related industries in the Philippines.
The commitments were discussed in separate meetings between President Marcos and executives of Tsuneishi Group Corp., Furukawa Electric Co. Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd., and MinebeaMitsumi Inc.
Marcos met with officials of Tsuneishi Group Corp., which outlined plans to expand its shipbuilding operations in Cebu. Once realized, the Philippines could become the world’s fourth-largest shipbuilding nation after China, Japan, and South Korea.
Executives of Furukawa Electric Co. Ltd. also presented plans to expand production of advanced heat sink modules and thermal management products used in electronics and digital infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd. unveiled a P4.3-billion expansion project focused on advanced electronics manufacturing.
If fully implemented, the projects are expected to generate between 10,000 and 300,000 jobs across the country.
MinebeaMitsumi Inc. discussed ongoing and future investments involving semiconductor back-end manufacturing, battery-related components for hyperscale data centers, optical image stabilization technologies, and precision manufacturing operations in Cebu.
Marcos also met with Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of The Nippon Foundation and Honorary Chairman of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, where he expressed appreciation for the organizations’ continued support for Filipino maritime professionals, peacebuilders, and healthcare initiatives.
Among the foundations’ programs are scholarship grants at the World Maritime University, peacebuilding support through the Asian Peacebuilders Scholarship, and assistance to the Philippine School of Prosthetics and Orthotics.
The meeting also explored expanded cooperation in critical minerals, digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and sustainable ocean governance, highlighting the shared commitment of the Philippines and Japan to regional stability and people-centered development.
On the final day of his state visit, President Marcos is scheduled to formally bid farewell to Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace.
He is also expected to hold a press conference during “Kapehan with the Media” before departing for the Philippines.
