Japan OKs P21.4-B loan aid for RP road projects

Japan has approved a P21.4-billion loan assistance to the Philippines for the maintenance and improvement of the country’s roads, Malacañang said Saturday. Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning secretary Ramon Carandang said Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan relayed this to President Benigno Aquino III Friday night. Government-run dzRB radio reported the approval came quickly, as the Philippines had completed the requirements for the loan assistance only Thursday night. The dzRB report also said Japan assured Aquino of help for Philippine health workers seeking work in Japan, particularly in language training. Philippine health workers had cited problems adjusting in Japan due to the language barrier. On the other hand, the dzRB report said Aquino appeared excited after Friday night’s bilateral talks, even interrupting Carandang’s briefing to Manila-based reporters covering the president’s visit. “O, Sec, i-share mo sa kanila ang good news (Secretary, why won’t you share the good news with them)," it quoted Aquino as telling Carandang. — LBG, GMANews.TV