A delegation of Philippine science and technology officials has visited Tokyo for a week-long intensive training programme on smart city development.

The programme, organised by the Association for Overseas Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Partnerships (AOTS) and the Philippine Department of Science and Technology (DOST), focused on Japan’s public-private partnership models. The delegation, led by Government of Philippines Undersecretary Sancho Mabborang, visited facilities including the NTT e-City Labo and the Fujisawa Sustainable Smart Town.

Philippine Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano said the initiative is part of efforts to address challenges related to rapid urbanisation and climate change. The training also marked the 70th anniversary of the normalisation of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

AOTS, established in 1959, has provided technical training to over 200,000 participants globally. The Philippine government intends to apply the science-based urban solutions observed during the site visits to its own domestic development projects.