Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Senior Vice President Yoshikawa Yoshifumi and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin signed a joint statement to promote cooperation in the area of oil security on Thursday, during the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Ministerial Meeting.

The signing was witnessed by Japan State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Takagi Kei.

JICA and DOE are advancing cooperation to enhance oil security in the Philippines through the Data Collection Survey for Strengthening Oil Security under the framework of the Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience Asia (POWERR Asia) as announced by the Japanese Government in April.

POWERR Asia is Japan’s cooperation initiative which supports Asian countries on emergency responses through financing for crude oil and petroleum product procurement as well as efforts to increase stockpiling capacity ensuring continuity of critical energy supply chain. This initiative will support the Philippines’ efforts in strengthening preparedness against oil supply disruptions.

Commencing this month, JICA and DOE will specifically collect data and analyze the current state on oil supply, demand, and stockpiling systems, and develop policy recommendations on legal and institutional frameworks suited to the circumstances of the Philippines.

They will also work on human resource development and capacity building, as well as the identification and formulation of potential projects. In addition, Japan’s knowledge and experience in oil stockpiling will be shared through activities such as the dispatch of experts and seminars in the Philippines and study visit to Japan.

The Joint Statement builds on JICA’s long-standing cooperation with the Philippines in the power and energy sector.

Since 2000, at least 200 staff members from DOE and its attached agencies have participated in JICA’s short- and long-term training programs, contributing to human resource and capacity development in the sector. During the opening ceremony of the ASEAN Energy Business Forum 2026 (AEBF-26), held on October 7, JICA received a Certificate of Commendation from DOE Secretary Garin in recognition of its contribution to strengthening energy security. JICA Philippines