MANILA, Philippines – NANANATILING hindi nagbabago ang suporta ng Japan sa paglago ng Pilipinas, ayon sa Japanese Embassy sa Maynila.
Ito’y sa kabila ng pagkumpirma ng World Bank (WB) sa katayuan ng Pilipinas bilang isang upper-middle-income country (UMIC) matapos nitong malampasan ang gross national income (GNI) per capita sa itinakdang antas para sa mga bansang kabilang sa nasabing kategorya.
“Our fundamental policy of supporting the Philippines’ growth remains unchanged, and we intend to continue providing strong support by utilizing a variety of tools, such as technical cooperation and the promotion of development and investment in partnership with the private sector,” ang sinabi ng embahada sa isang panayam.
Kung maipagpapatuloy ng Pilipinas na mapanatli ang nasabing katayuan, winika ng embahada na “it is possible that the terms for future ODA (Official Development Assistance) disbursements will be reviewed” alinsunod sa Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) rules.
“This is a natural transition reflecting the achievements of the Philippines’ economic development,” ang sinabi pa rin ng embahada.
“As the Philippines further develops as a UMIC and achieves independent growth, Japan will continue to support the country at various levels as a reliable long-term partner,” dagdag na pahayag nito.
Sa kabilang dako, sinabi ng Japanese embassy na ang transisyon ng Pilipinas sa UMIC ay nagpapakita ng bunga ng “economic progress and represents an excellent opportunity to advance our bilateral relationship to the next stage” nito.
“Japan is willing to continue its cooperation with the Philippines, taking into account the changing development stage, priorities, roles of the private sector, and other related elements,” ang sinabi pa rin ng Japanese embassy. KRIS JOSE
