Manila, Tokyo pursue more investment talks
A Japanese wellness company will invest P4 billion to build 10 retirement facilities in various parts of the Philippines, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
The initial facility to be established by Nambu Co., Ltd would be in Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu via incentives offered by the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (Create More) Act.
Details of the investment plan, which include training Filipino caregivers to meet Japanese standards, were discussed during a meeting between Philippine officials and members of the wellness company in Osaka, Japan, on Thursday, the DTI said.
“This initiative aims to leverage the country’s skilled workforce to meet Japan’s labor needs while simultaneously boosting local employment,” it said.
Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said the investment supports the government’s bid to increase high-value industries, drive job creation and strengthen the country’s position as a premier retirement and wellness destination in the region.
“This project is more than an investment. It is a partnership for dignity, wellness, and opportunity for our people. By combining Japanese expertise in eldercare with our natural advantages—warm climate, hospitable culture, and skilled workforce—we can make the Philippines a second home for Japanese and global retirees,” she said.
In a separate meeting on Sept. 11, the Philippine economic and infrastructure team, led by Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, met with the Japanese government in Osaka, Japan, to discuss the progress of key projects supported by Japan.
Japan is committed to continuing its support for the Philippine government’s infrastructure development agenda, assuring financing assistance for big-ticket bridge, spillway and maritime projects designed to improve connectivity and enhance safety.
High-level sales blitz
The high-level meeting was held on the sidelines of the 2025 Osaka Expo and the Philippine Economic Briefing.
Among the big-ticket projects in the pipeline for Japanese financing for 2025 to 2026 is the 2.6-kilometer San Juanico bridge construction project, which will connect Leyte and the Samar Islands via the municipalities of Babatngon and Sta. Rita.
This will cut travel time, reduce transport costs and open new economic opportunities for local businesses and workers in the Visayas region.
Other projects include the Parañaque spillway construction project, designed to protect families in the Laguna Lakeshore areas by reducing flood inundation by up to 37 percent during extreme weather events.
The project will channel excess lake water from Laguna Lake into Manila Bay through Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Las Piñas and Bacoor via an underground drainage system, safeguarding homes, livelihoods and communities.
Japan will also fund the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) support facility development project in the Subic Bay Area, which aims to enhance the PCG’s operational capacity to strengthen maritime safety, ensuring safer seas for Filipino fisherfolk, travelers and local communities.
During the meeting, both sides also discussed project status updates, implementation challenges and corresponding resolutions and next steps for ongoing projects funded by Japan.
