By GMA News Published May 28, 2026 2:19am + Add GMA on Google Make this your preferred source to get more updates from this publisher on Google. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. looks on as the Ayala Group and three top Japanese firms sign memoranda of understanding (MOUs) on digital innovation, financial technology, and smart urban development at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan on the second day of his state visit on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. (Photo from Presidential Communications Office Facebook page) President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday witnessed the signing of agreements between Philippine and Japanese firms covering digital innovation, financial technology, and smart urban development.Marcos witnessed the landmark signing of memoranda of understanding (MOUs) between the Ayala Group and top Japanese companies at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan on the second day of his state visit.In a statement on its Facebook page, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Ayala Group inked deals with Mitsubishi Corporation, MUFG Bank and KDDI Corporation.“The agreements with Mitsubishi Corporation, MUFG Bank, and KDDI Corporation advance collaboration in intelligent city solutions, digital finance, marketing technology, and AI-driven infrastructure,” the PCO said.These underscored strong Japanese investor confidence in the Philippines and are expected to open new opportunities “for innovation-led growth, financial inclusion, and smarter, more connected communities for Filipinos.”The PCO added that the MOUs are part of efforts to forge deeper partnerships between the Philippines and Japan “for a smarter, more connected, and innovation-driven future.”In a business roundtable with top Japanese business executives, Marcos also secured $3.4 billion in investment pledges from Japanese corporations. — JMA, GMA News