The Philippine Senate recently unanimously adopted a resolution expressing the sense of the Senate in recognizing the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Japan and commemorating the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Following the adoption of Senate Resolution No. 502, authored by Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, many of the senators expressed their gratitude for assistance extended to the Philippines through Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) and Official Security Assistance (OSA), including private-sector investments, and active people-to-people exchanges.
Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya attended the plenary session as the main guest during the resolution adoption.
At a separate event, Ambassador Endo hosted a ceremony at his residence for the Ambassador’s Commendation awarded to a select organization and a number of individuals for their invaluable contributions to strengthening Japan-Philippines relations.
Awardees include:
(top left) Nobuo Fujii, Director and Advisor, Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines Inc.
Fujii has long contributed to the smooth operations of Japanese companies and residents in the Philippines through his activities with JCCIPI, promoting greater mutual understanding between Japan and the Philippines.
(top middle) Dr. Nora A. Torres, President, Philippines-Japan Ladies Association
Torres has served as the President of the PJLA since 2019, whose work continues to foster the friendly relations between the two countries.
(top right) Bendette B. McFarland, Filipino Language Teacher for MOFA Diplomats
McFarland has served as a Filipino language instructor for Japanese Foreign Service Specialist at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Institute for Training, contributing to the development of specialized human resources in the Filipino language.
(bottom left) Thelma Cleto-Salumbides, Filipino Language Teacher for MOFA Diplomat
Cleto-Salumbides has served as a Filipino language instructor for many learners, including Japanese Foreign Service Specialists in the Philippines, and has likewise contributed to the development of specialized human resources in the Filipino language.
(bottom middle) The Philippine Bonsai Society Inc. represented by its President Anne Dionisio
Since its establishment in 1973, The Philippine Bonsai Society has been a leading bonsai organization in the Philippines, dedicating itself to the promotion and development of the Japanese art of bonsai in the Philippines.
