Officials from the United States and Japan reaffirmed their support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s economic initiatives, highlighting their commitment to advance investments and infrastructure development under the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC).

Speaking at the LEC Investment Forum at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer Thomas Hardy said the corridor had reached a point where its vision must translate into concrete projects and investments.

“The Luzon Economic Corridor is just at that point today. But its greatest potential lies ahead,” Hardy said, stressing the importance of “careful planning, strong partnerships, and investment that can turn opportunities into lasting results.”

Hardy said the United States sees the corridor as a means of strengthening regional supply chains and shared economic security, emphasizing that “what’s good for the Philippines is good for all of us.”

He said USTDA would conclude agreements during the forum supporting the expansion of port facilities in Subic Bay and the establishment of a nationwide network of public Wi-Fi access points, describing both initiatives as efforts to attract investment in quality infrastructure.

US Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton likewise underscored the strength of the Philippine-American partnership, saying, “The United States alliance with the Philippines remains ironclad.”

Lipton said the LEC could help bring together investments, infrastructure and jobs, particularly in Subic, Clark, Manila and Batangas, while supporting emerging industries such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence and trusted technologies.

“The United States is all in, sir. The United States is all in,” Lipton told Marcos, adding that the corridor is ultimately about creating better employment opportunities for Filipinos.

He said the initiative should enable Filipinos to build world-class careers at home, allowing more workers to pursue “a great career” without having to leave their families and communities to find opportunities abroad.

Japan’s Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Ono Sho said the LEC is a “pivotal initiative to accelerate the Philippines’ economic growth and connectivity and to unlock the immense potential of this region.”

Ono noted the participation of Japanese companies and investors in the forum, saying their presence “vividly underscores the inherent attractiveness and paramount strategic importance of the corridor.”

He also emphasized the importance of supporting companies already operating in the Philippines, saying “ensuring the smooth operation and expansion of these existing businesses can help pave the way for further investment.”

Ono said Japan, as one of the Philippines’ closest economic partners, would continue supporting infrastructure development anchored on quality, resilience and sustainability, while aligning the LEC with Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific vision.

“We fully support President Marcos’ Build Better, More agenda,” Ono said, adding that Japan stands ready to work with the Philippines, the United States, international institutions and the private sector to mobilize finance, technology and expertise and ensure that LEC projects are “bankable, implementable, and impactful.”

The LEC Investment Forum brought together government officials, investors, developers and business leaders from the Philippines, the United States, Japan and other countries to explore investment opportunities and partnerships aimed at advancing the corridor’s development. Presidential News Desk