Japan’s JICA Supports Philippines’ Customs Modernization & AI-driven Tuberculosis Detection
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) is lending its support to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the Philippines as part of efforts to enhance the BOC’s modernization initiatives. Jica will be sharing its best practices with the customs bureau, offering timely technical assistance and capacity-building support to improve customs processes and governance.
The BOC is currently implementing various trade facilitation programs and digitizing its customs operations. In 2022, seven digitization projects were launched, including systems for liquidation and billing, customs baggage and currencies declaration, raw materials liquidation, national customs intelligence, E2M-ETRACC integration, payment application security, and Asean customs declaration documents.
Jica’s involvement also extends to the Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines. The country has the highest incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in the world, with 31,000 deaths recorded in 2020 alone. Jica, in collaboration with the DOH’s National TB Control Program, is assisting in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enable computer-aided early detection of TB.
Japanese company Fujifilm has developed AI-assisted computer-aided detection (CAD) technology that can detect TB in seconds. This technology was first introduced in a pilot program in Muntinlupa City in partnership with the local government and the Putatan Health Center. During the pilot, radiologists identified 32 patients with pulmonary TB out of 382 suspected cases identified by the AI-powered CAD.
The use of AI in the systematic screening and rapid diagnosis of TB is crucial in reducing turnaround time for screening results and the initiation of treatment.
According to Jica, its collaboration in the Philippine health sector demonstrates that Japanese technology has the potential to overcome health bottlenecks and enhance access to quality healthcare.
With Jica’s support, the customs modernization projects in the Philippines are expected to progress smoothly, paving the way for a more efficient and credible customs administration. The adoption of AI technology for TB detection holds promising potential for early intervention and improved healthcare outcomes.
Jica’s proactive sharing of best practices and technical assistance is a testament to the fruitful partnership between Japan and the Philippines, with mutual benefits in areas such as customs administration and public health. This collaboration showcases Japan’s commitment to supporting the Philippines in its pursuit of progress and development.
Overall, Jica’s contributions in both customs modernization and AI-driven TB detection are significant steps towards enhancing governance and healthcare in the Philippines. By harnessing the power of technology and international cooperation, the country can make substantial strides in its efforts to build a more prosperous and healthy future.
Keywords: Japan, JICA, Philippines, Bureau of Customs, BOC, modernization projects, best practices, customs administration, Customs Laboratory, trade facilitation programs, digitization, AI, computer-aided detection, tuberculosis, DOH, National TB Control Program, Japanese technology, health bottlenecks, quality healthcare, customs modernization, efficient administration, early intervention, public health, progress, development.
