President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo on Thursday to discuss stronger Philippines-Japan cooperation on energy security, regional resilience, and clean energy transition.
The meeting, held on the sidelines of Marcos’ State Visit to Japan, focused on advancing joint initiatives under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) framework, including efforts to strengthen the region’s access to stable and sustainable energy sources.
Marcos said the Philippines looks forward to working with Japan in realizing the goals of the Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience, or POWERR Asia, a US$10-billion support package launched by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in April 2026.
The initiative aims to help countries in Asia improve energy security through expanded energy procurement, stronger stockpiling capacity, diversification of energy sources, and investments in energy efficiency.
POWERR Asia covers the Philippines and other AZEC Plus countries, including Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Timor-Leste, Bangladesh, and South Korea.
Marcos also reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to cleaner and more sustainable energy pathways, citing the need for continued collaboration with Japan in renewable energy development and emerging low-carbon technologies.
The Palace said the meeting highlighted the growing partnership between Manila and Tokyo in balancing energy resilience, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
Marcos also conveyed the Philippines’ readiness to co-chair the AZEC Leaders’ Summit with Takaichi in Manila in November 2026, in line with the country’s ASEAN chairmanship.
Kishida, who previously paid a courtesy call on Marcos at Malacañang in April, currently serves as Supreme Adviser to the Parliamentary Association of the AZEC.