Japan has extended a $187.92 million (P11.54 billion) loan to support key reforms under the Philippines’ Universal Health Care (UHC) program. Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma signed the loan agreement.
Theresa Lazaro and Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya, with funding coursed through the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
The program will strengthen sustainable health financing, improve the delivery of quality health services, and enhance information management and accountability.
Japan said the assistance will also help lessen the impact of escalating tensions in the Middle East on the Philippine health sector.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives marked the 70th anniversary of Philippine-Japan diplomatic relations, while President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed the non-resident ambassadors of Lesotho, the Dominican Republic, Gambia, and Gabon to expand cooperation in trade, tourism, and other key sectors.
Source: PhilNews24 | August 6, 2026
