MANILA, 14 August 2025 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippines, in collaboration with the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) Management Team (JMT) and the ASEAN Secretariat, co-organised the ASEAN Project Development Training and JAIF Coaching Clinic in Manila, on 12–14 August.
The in-country workshop reaffirmed ASEAN and Japan’s shared commitment to bringing JAIF closer to its stakeholders. Participants from various departments deepened their understanding of JAIF cooperation, gained practical knowledge of developing high-quality project proposals, and enhanced their capacity to implement JAIF-funded initiatives.
The event gathered 49 officials from 30 line ministries and featured interactive discussions and group exercises facilitated by a team consisting of the ASEAN Secretariat’s Programme Cooperation and Project Management Division (PCPMD) and JMT.
The three-day programme was graced by Hon. Ana Marie L. Hernando, Assistant Secretary (Director General) for ASEAN Affairs, DFA Philippines. In her remarks, she thanked Japan for its continued support in equipping Philippine line agencies with essential skills in project proposal writing and management. She encouraged participants to use the opportunity to collaborate, innovate, and contribute to ASEAN’s shared goals in meaningful ways. She hoped that the training would encourage more project proposals from the Philippines, as the country prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairship in 2026.
Naoki Minamiguchi, JMT Director, underscored that empowering public institutions through capacity-building activities such as the Coaching Clinic is key to achieving long-term development goals and sustainability in the region. Meanwhile, Maria Elena Cristina D. Maningat, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., of the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to ASEAN, shared insights into the role of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR) in appraising ASEAN cooperation project proposals.
On the last day of the training, participants had the opportunity to engage in one-on-one sessions with JMT and PCPMD to discuss their draft project proposals. In closing, participants expressed appreciation for the interactive training and the in-depth knowledge-sharing facilitated by the joint JAIF-ASEAN team. The training significantly enhanced the capacity of Philippines government officials in project planning, proposal development, and effective implementation in partnership with JAIF.
About JAIF:
JAIF was established in March 2006 with the purpose of supporting ASEAN’s integration efforts as well as promoting greater cooperation between ASEAN and Japan. The total contributions to date amount to USD 894 million. More than 610 projects have since been implemented in the areas of disaster management, counter terrorism, maritime cooperation, economic integration, small and medium-sized enterprises development, youth exchanges, and others.