MANILA, Philippines – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will arrive in Manila today for a two-day official visit, a move seen to further boost bilateral relations between the Philippines and Japan after President Duterte’s successful state visit to Tokyo last October.

According to Malacañang, Duterte will lead the formal welcome ceremony at Malacañang grounds at around 3:30 p.m. for the Prime Minister, whose party will touch down at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from Tokyo around 2 p.m.

Abe will then sign the guest book at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room before the signing of agreements, possibly the issuance of joint statements to be followed by the dinner hosted by the President, the Palace said.

The Palace added Abe’s wife Akie would visit the Philippine National School for the Blind in Pasay City while the Prime Minister is in Malacañang.

Based on reports, Akie is known in Japan for her charming personality and advocacy for the disadvantaged.

In an interview, National Economic and Development Authority director general Ernesto Pernia expressed optimism about the outcome of Abe’s visit – the first head of state to be feted by the President.

According to Pernia, Japan, in principle, is interested in funding more projects in the Philippines. “They are competing with China,” Pernia said.

But he said he was not privy to the agreements to be signed today between Duterte and Abe.

There are projects funded by Japan already being implemented in the country and Tokyo is the Philippines’ largest provider of official development assistance.

While Abe is visiting the country, Pernia confirmed reports that he and other government officials would go to Beijing later this month to finalize the list of projects to be funded by China.

“The Chinese want us to come and fix or finalize the list of projects,” he said.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. said he discussed possible assistance from Japan for the construction of drug rehabilitation centers in the country.

He said Japan was ready to give assistance to the country’s fight against illegal drugs.

Yasay added memorandums of agreement on agricultural cooperation, security cooperation, infrastructure and enhancement of relations between the two countries would be signed in Davao City.

The Japanese Prime Minister will be accompanied by a delegation of businessmen for prospective investments. – With Pia Lee-Brago, Helen Flores