The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) JS IKAZUCHI recently conducted a goodwill port call in Davao,
During the ship’s visit, its personnel paid a courtesy call on Commander of the Naval Force Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) Commodore Ireneo D. Battung PN to underscore close cooperation between the JMSDF and the Philippine Navy (PN) in promoting regional stability and maritime security.
The ship also welcomed approximately 50 Japanese residents in Davao aboard for a special tour. This provided the residents with an opportunity to strengthen their ties with the local Japanese community and deepen people-to-people connections.
While at the Port of Davao, the vessel was visited and toured by Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, who also welcomed its officers and crew to his city of governance.
Capping the visit, JS IKAZUCHI joined the PN’s BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS37) in a goodwill exercise off the coast of Davao. This exercise is seen as a reflection of the strong spirit of cooperation, trust, and friendship that continues to characterize Japan-Philippines relations.
On a different occasion, Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya attended the graduation ceremony of the the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) in Mariveles, Bataan.
MAAP is a maritime academy established with the support of the Japanese Seafarers’ Union (JSU) and the International Mariners Management Association of Japan (IMMAJ), an organization representing employers of foreign seafarers in Japan, with the aim of training ship officers, including deck and engineering officers, for the Japanese merchant fleet.
Addressing the graduates, Ambassador Endo said, “I firmly believe that each and every one of you will become a bridge between Japan and the Philippines, and strengthen the bonds and partnership between our two countries for many years to come, as you work alongside your Japanese colleagues in Japanese ports and navigate the seas of the world together.”
He also reaffirmed the Japanese government’s commitment to contribute to the development of the Philippine maritime industry.
