On August 25, 2025, Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) announced the winners of the 8th Japan Construction International Award (JapaCon). Oriental Consultants Global Co., Ltd. (OC Global) was honored with the MLIT Minister’s Commendation for three projects: The Technical Assistance Project to Establish the Philippine Railway Institute, the Preparatory Survey of Maintenance for Matadi Bridge, and the Honiara International Airport Improvement Project.

The award ceremony will be held on September 9 at the Mita Kaigisho in Tokyo.

Related Link: List of Awardees | Japan Construction International Award MLIT Minister’s Commendation

Technical Assistance Project to Establish the Philippine Railway Institute

As urban railway development progresses in the Philippines, the government established the country’s first national railway training center, the Philippine Railway Institute (PRI), to serve as both a human resource development and supervisory agency. Its mission is to foster personnel capable of carrying out safe, high-quality railway operations and maintenance.

Through this project, OC Global leveraged Japan’s railway technologies and operational expertise to support the establishment of PRI, the development of training facilities, the preparation of human resource development guidelines, and the delivery of training programs. These efforts contributed to safer and more efficient railway operations and maintenance, as well as the development of sustainable urban transport infrastructure. By introducing Japanese railway technologies and training methods, the project also enhanced the international competitiveness of Japanese companies and supported the advancement of the Philippine railway sector.

Training

Preparatory Survey of Maintenance for Matadi Bridge

The Matadi Bridge—a combined road and railway suspension bridge crossing the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo—remains the only bridge across the river. It serves as a critical transportation hub linking the capital, Kinshasa, and is also indispensable for local communities. The bridge celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2023.

Although Japanese engineers provided maintenance training at the time of construction, support from Japan was suspended during periods of political instability. Assistance resumed in 2012, when advanced cable anti-corrosion technology developed by the Honshu-Shikoku Bridge Authority was introduced. Since then, continuous efforts have been made to extend the bridge’s lifespan through advanced maintenance. The Matadi Bridge now stands as a successful example of Japan’s technology transfer in infrastructure maintenance.

The Project for the Improvement of the Honiara International Airport

Honiara International Airport, located in the capital of the Solomon Islands, serves as a key gateway to neighboring countries. However, over 20 years of use has led to significant deterioration and aging. In addition, the domestic terminal and control tower—located in a low-lying area—were repeatedly damaged by flooding during the rainy season, forcing temporary closures of the airport.

This improvement project included the construction of a new international departure terminal building, the renovation of the existing international terminal, and the expansion of the aircraft apron.

OC Global continues to contribute to the economic development of partner countries through not only railway and infrastructure projects, but also by promoting local human resource development and capacity building across a wide range of fields.