JICA Activates Disaster Relief Operations, Welcomes Japanese Expert Team to Support Navotas Landfill Response
The Government of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have activated its Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Operations following a request from the Government of the Philippines, through the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), in response to the fire incident at the Navotas Landfill, Metro Manila.
IMAGE from the Japan International Cooperation Agency
On April 23, 2026, JICA Philippines welcomed a six-member team of experts deployed from Japan. Led by Minister YOKOTA Naobumi of the Embassy of Japan, the expert team will stay in the Philippines for the duration of its mission to carry out technical assessments and provide guidance in close coordination with relevant Philippine authorities.
IMAGE from the Japan International Cooperation Agency
The incident at the 41-hectare landfill, reported from early March, has raised concerns due to its scale and potential impact on Navotas City and surrounding communities in Metro Manila. Local authorities have been carrying out ongoing response efforts to address the fire and safeguard public welfare. Through the JDR Operations, the Japanese expert team will work closely with Philippine counterparts to assess site conditions, help identify contributing factors, and provide technical guidance to support and strengthen existing response measures.
The Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) program is a core pillar of JICA’s cooperation with partner governments, providing timely assistance in times of disaster and supporting recovery efforts. In the Philippines, JICA’s engagement through JDR dates back to the 1990 Baguio earthquake and continues today, including humanitarian support provided following the Magnitude 6.9 Cebu earthquake in 2025.
About JICA:
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is an administrative agency of the Government of Japan that implements Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA). JICA remains steadfast in supporting socio-economic development through its ODA activities in over 140 developing countries and regions in the world.
For more information on JICA and JICA Philippines’ activities, please log on to https://www.jica.go.jp/english and https://www.jica.go.jp/philippine/english/index.html. Follow their Facebook page for more updates.
