President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has departed for a four-day state visit to Japan, highlighting the Philippines’ commitment to deepen strategic, economic, and security cooperation with Tokyo, anchored on the administration’s “Build Better More” infrastructure program.
In his departure statement at Maharlika Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Tuesday, May 26, Marcos said the visit comes at a “critical time amid an increasingly challenging and evolving global environment,” emphasizing stronger regional partnerships for peace and development.
“Upon the invitation of the Government of Japan, I shall now undertake a four-day state visit to Japan… This state visit will coincide with this year’s commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between our two countries,” the president said.
He underscored Japan as the Philippines’ “first and oldest strategic partner,” noting decades of cooperation in infrastructure, defense, trade, and development assistance. Marcos also highlighted past visits in 2023 and 2025 that helped advance bilateral relations.
Central to the agenda is expanding collaboration under the Build Better More (BBM) program, particularly Japan-supported flagship projects such as the Metro Manila Subway, the North-South Commuter Railway, and the MRT-3 rehabilitation.
“This state visit is essential… it forms part of a broader foreign policy agenda to forge closer political ties, stronger defense and security cooperation, and more enduring economic partnerships,” Marcos said.
The President is also expected to meet Japanese Prime Minister Takahichi Sanai for their fourth engagement, where both leaders will discuss trade, defense, maritime cooperation, energy, decarbonization, and regional security issues, including developments in the West Philippine Sea and the Middle East.
Marcos further announced planned exchanges of high-level honors between the Philippines and Japan’s Imperial Family, calling it “a symbol of strong friendship and enduring goodwill between our two nations.”
He is also set to engage Japanese business leaders and meet with the Filipino community in Japan, whom he praised for contributing to national development through their work abroad.
“We will be actively cultivating collaboration in priority areas… including agriculture, energy, infrastructure, defense, and space technology,” Marcos said, reaffirming his administration’s goal of advancing Filipino interests while promoting regional stability and prosperity.
