4th Steering Committee of the Luzon Economic Corridor

On 12 May 2026, the 4th Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) Steering Committee was held in Makati and attended by delegations led by Ambassador ENDO Kazuya from Japan, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon Garin, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez, and Department of Finance (DOF) Undersecretary Angela Ignacio from the Philippines, and Ambassador Heather Variava from the United States. 

Launched in 2024 by leaders of Japan, the United States, and the Philippines, the LEC is the first Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) economic corridor in the Indo-Pacific region. This initiative will also support connectivity in the Luzon region, by accelerating investments in high-impact infrastructure projects.

During the 4th Steering Committee, the senior officials of Japan, the Philippines, the United States, and related agencies discussed the progress of the projects and the challenges faced by companies in the investment environment. The valued partners were also officially announced, composed of Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. In alignment with the vision of the LEC, Japan has made concrete contributions in the areas of transportation infrastructure, energy, and digital technology, by working closely with the Philippine and United States governments to realize this vision. With the LEC expected to generate significant synergies across target sectors, Ambassador Endo emphasized the importance of making progress on the ongoing projects and improving the business environment to encourage investments to the Philippines.

As trilateral partners, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States, reaffirmed their commitment to work together and collaborate with valued partners to further accelerate the Philippines’ economic growth and enhance connectivity.