Manila, March 19 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday received assurance that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will continue providing support for the Philippines' critical infrastructure and development projects.

The commitment was made when outgoing JICA chief representative to the Philippines Sakamoto Takema made a farewell call on Marcos at Malacanan Palace in Manila.

In a Facebook post, Marcos expressed appreciation to Takema for supporting his administration's "Bagong Pilipinas" (New Philippines) vision during the JICA official's three-year tenure in the country.

"We are a little sad to see him leave, but are assured that his successor, Mr. Baba Takashi, will continue to work with us on fast-tracking...