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OPENING REMARKS

42nd Philippines-Japan Friendship Celebration Awards Night

The Philippines Japan Society is pleased to welcome you all to the 42nd edition of Philippines Japan Friendship Celebration Awards Night. The Society is celebrating its 51st year in 2023. The concept of Dr. Jose P. Laurel in establishing this organization was conceived in 1959. Unfortunately, Dr. Laurel passed away on the day that the inaugural meeting was to be held in November 6, 1959. It had to wait 13 years before the establishment of the Society could be realized under the leadership of Amb. Jose S. Laurel, III. And so, after 51 years, the Society has become a respected group not only in the Philippines but also in Japan. We continue to pursue the vision of Dr. Jose P. Laurel in fostering strong bilateral relations with Japan through mutual respect and understanding.

We are all happy to see all of you after more than three years. Tonight’s event is very special because the Philippines Japan Society is privileged to honor one of its own members in the person of Amb. Jose C. Laurel V. It is with great pride that the Society confers the same award that was given to our founder Amb. Jose S. Laurel III in 1987.

Amb. Joey as he is known to all of us served as the Philippine envoy to Japan from 2016-2022. His service to the country marks one of the most remarkable in the history of the bilateral relations of our two countries. His achievements are second to none. He not only solidified our diplomatic ties with Japan but also enhanced the economic and people to people programs for a sustainable future.

While his term in Tokyo was brief, it left an inedible mark in the hearts and minds of all our Japanese friends. The friendship between our nations is priceless and significant. As a member of the ASEAN, the Philippines is a significant player in reinforcing the strong ties that the ASEAN member countries have with Japan.

Japan has been a consistent and dependable partner of the ASEAN. Over the foreseeable future, it will continue to play a pivotal role in the rapid growth of our regional partnership in the ASEAN. Whether we like it or not, ASEAN is in the sweet spot of economic as well cultural and political mainstream. We all have a young and vibrant populations. We all have market driven economies. While we are often described as emerging economies, it is where all the exciting developments are occurring. It is this light that our honoree tonight was heavily exposed before and during his service in Tokyo.

One of the most significant projects that Amb. Joey was involved in was the Metro Manila Project which is forecasted to be ready in six (6) years. Another project is the North Railway Project that stretches from Manila towards Clark in Pampanga. These two infrastructure programs will have a huge economic impact for decades to come.

Equally significant is people to people initiatives that he spearheaded. Japan’s major challenge is its ageing population. The Philippines can support Japan through its young people who have the capacity to learn and be part of the development of Japan by way of providing skilled workers specially in the field of Information Technology and Engineering.

The future is very promising for our two nations cooperating together for a better and a stronger tomorrow.

All in all, Amb. Joey, we congratulate you for a job well done. You do us proud as a member of the Laurel Clan. Father and Mother are smiling from up above.

Before I close, I would like to acknowledge the continuing support of the Embassy of Japan in making this event successful over the last 42 years. Also special thanks to our friends from the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Manila and the Manila Japanese Association for always being a vital part of our celebration. And finally, to all of our members of the Philippines Japan Society who have remained steadfast through the years. Your commitment continues to inspire us.

Lest I forget, we recognize our hardworking staff that made tonight’s celebration a truly memorable one. Maraming Salamat sa inyong lahat.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

Mabuhay ang Japan!

Francis C. Laurel

President, The Philippines-Japan Society, Inc.