President Marcos meets Japanese tourism partners in Osaka

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos met with tourism stakeholders yesterday to present updates on the ongoing infrastructure development in the country, including the improvement of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

“Today I met with Japanese tourism leaders who are helping us welcome more visitors than ever before, with 214 weekly flights connecting Japan and the Philippines,” Marcos said in a post on Instagram.

“We are working to create more jobs for our people, help more businesses grow and ensure more communities feel the impact of a strong tourism sector,” the President said.

Marcos met with representatives from the Japan Tourism Agency, Japan Association of Travel Agents Kansai/JTB West Japan Area Representative, Japan Philippines Tourism Council, Kansai Regional Division, HIS Co. Ltd., Nippon Travel Agency, Hankyu Travel International Co. Ltd., Kansai Airports, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, who accompanied the President, said the President assured stakeholders of continued infrastructure development, including the ongoing privatization and enhancement of key airports and regional hubs with the goal of increasing direct access for international visitors.

“This was received very well by our Japanese stakeholders, especially considering that our data show that Japanese travelers favor Cebu, Palawan, Boracay, Bohol,” Frasco said.

The President also met with executives of the Kanadevia Corp., Philippine Ecology Systems Corp. and Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd.

In a social media post, Marcos said the Philippines and Japan’s Tsuneishi Holdings would be building the world’s first methanol dual-fueled KAMSARMAX Bulk Carrier at the Cebu facility, calling it “a game changer for clean and smart shipping.”

“It’s proof of what we can achieve through innovation, strong partnerships and the talent of the Filipino workforce,” the President said.

The President also tackled with its executives Kanadevia Corp.’s investment plan for the Manila Waste-to-Energy (WtE) project.

The Manila WtE located in Smokey Mountain aims to transform Metro Manila’s waste disposal system through sustainable, large-scale energy recovery.

“This initiative will turn thousands of tons of waste into clean energy, reduce flooding, create jobs and help clean up communities,” Marcos said in another Instagram post.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro was asked at a press briefing yesterday why the President’s trip to Osaka was not open to media.

“He decided to leave (for Osaka) at the very last minute,” Castro said.

The President left for Osaka on Thursday and is scheduled to be back in the country this weekend.