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The Golden Age of Strategic Partnership: Philippines and Japan Commitments from the Japanese government will help realize the dream of Build, Build, Build By Patricia Ruth Cailao
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he Japanese government continues to be the Philippines’ top source of official development assistance (ODA) loans. According to an announcement made by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in September 2017. NEDA’s announcement came as no surprise for the Philippines has been immensely benefiting from the Japanese government’s assistance since the 1960s. From 1967 to 2008, the Philippines received PhP983 billion (US$20.56 billion) worth of ODAs from Japan, to construct and improve infrastructure— highways, bridges, airports, seaports, and railways. Now, President Rodrigo Duterte is seizing the opportunity out of the strong Philippines-Japan partnership to bring tremendous changes in the country. His statements exactly show the trademarks of his leadership which his government is embodying: deciding boldly, and acting swiftly.
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