By Monsi A. Serrano
The ironclad friendship that Japan and the Philippines have built through the years is proof that the relationship and cooperative efforts between the two countries will continue.
Japan has been a very dependable ally of the Philippines and supports the country in all possible endeavors. This year Japan and the Philippines are celebrating the 69th anniversary of the normalization of the relationship, one year away from the Platinum Jubilee (70th Year) celebration.
Mindful of this time and tested friendship, both the Philippines and Japan have done several successful cooperations and a lot more in the pipeline such as in investment, business, maritime security cooperation, people-to-people, countryside development, education, and tourism, among others.
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency ENDO Kazuya paid a courtesy visit to NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan on May 8, 2024, and discussed how Japan-Philippines can further enhance economic and development relations.
During the meeting, Ambassador Endo committed that Japanese public and private sectors would continue supporting President Marcos’s “Build Better More” policy, including ODA infrastructure projects. Similarly, Secretary Balisacan expressed profound gratitude to Japan for its continuous support and said he would strive to achieve national development goals in partnership with Japan.
Both vowed to collaborate closely to advance Japan-Philippines relations.