September 18, 2025
OC Global Receives MLIT’s JapaCon Award
On September 9, 2025, the 8th Japan Construction International Award (JapaCon), hosted by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), was held at the Mita Conference Hall (Mita Kaigisho) in Tokyo. Oriental Consultants Global Co., Ltd. (OC Global) received the Award of Excellence in the Construction Project Category for the Project for the Improvement of the Honiara International Airport. OC Global was also honored with the MLIT Minister’s Commendation in the Pioneering Activity Category for the Technical Assistance Project to Establish the Philippine Railway Institute and for the Preparatory Survey of Maintenance for Matadi Bridge.
Related Link: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan’s website
Minister’s Commendation for the Technical Assistance Project to Establish the Philippine Railway Institute
Second from left: Mr. Hiromasa Nakano, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
Right: Mr. Shigeru Morichi, Head of the Judging Committee
Left: Mr. Eiji Yonezawa, CEO, President of OC Global
■Award of Excellence in Construction Project Category: 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.
■Pioneering Activity Category: 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, the Joint Venture led by 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.
Commemorative Photo
Center left: Ms. Mylene de Joya Garcia-Albano, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Philippines
Second from right: Mr. Noriyoshi Yamagami, Executive Officer, Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd.
Far right: Mr. Takahiro Tanisaka, Section Manager, Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd.
Center right: Mr. Jun Ishimoto, Representative Director, ALMEC Corporation
Second from left: Mr. Eiji Yonezawa, CEO, President, OC Global
Left: Mr. Takayuki Hagiwara, General Manager, Railway Planning Department at OC Global
At the Award Ceremony Venue
Center-right: Dr. Lukumwena Nsenda, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
■Pioneering Activity Category: 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.
表彰式会場にて
中央右 コンゴ民主共和国 ルクムエナ・センダ特命全権大使
OC Global is supporting the economic development of respective countries through the provision of high-quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure.