Japan is extending a USD187.82 million or approximately PHP11.53 billion loan to help strengthen the Philippines’ implementation of its Universal Health Care (UHC) program, said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

The agency, in a statement on Tuesday night, said both countries have signed the diplomatic notes on the Build Universal Health Care Program Subprogram 3-Emergency Support (BUHC3).

“Today, I am pleased to sign the Diplomatic Notes in support of the Build Universal Health Care Program (Subprogram 3) under the Philippine-Japan development cooperation framework,” DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said.

“This reaffirms the strong commitment of the Philippines and Japan to ensuring quality, accessible, and equitable healthcare for every Filipino. To advancing our Philippine-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership through shared dedication to building a stronger, healthier nation,” she added.

The Japanese loan will target key reform areas on sustainable financing and strategic purchasing for UHC, integrated delivery of quality health services, and information management and performance accountability for UHC.

The project will be implemented and co-financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Upon completion, the DFA said BUHC 3 will have improved equitable access to quality health services that are also responsive to gender-specific health concerns and the health impacts of climate change.

It follows through the multi-year BUHC Subprogram 1, implemented from January 2019 to May 2021 with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and BUHC Subprogram 2, implemented from July 2021 to September 2023, which was co-financed by ADB, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and JICA. (PNA)