Last 27 June 2024, a delegation from PHILFEJA led by President/ASCOJA Governor Domingo Go and VP/ASJA Director Rommel Roque attended The 22nd ASJA-ASCOJA-JAC Symposium hosted by the Japan Alumni of Cambodia (JAC) in Phnom Penh, with the theme, “Japan-ASEAN Cross Border E-Commerce”. Mr. Dennis Lim, former Head of the Digital Media Division of ABS-CBN, was the speaker for the Philippines. He spoke about “The Role of Social Media in E-Commerce” (the story of Marites) in the Philippines.
Mr. Va Kora, President of the JAC, delivered the welcome remarks. State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Yoshifumi Tsuge, also graced the occasion. In addition, remarks were likewise delivered by Dr. Mangkorn Rodprapakorn, Chairman of ASCOJA and ASJA and Cambodia’s Minister HENG Sour of Labour and Vocational Training. The congratulatory message of Japan’s Minister of Finance, Shunichi Suzuki (Chairman of ASJA-ASCOJA Parliamentary Federation), was delivered on his behalf by ASJA Director for Japan, Gotaro Ogawa. The Symposium was well attended by participants from the ten (10) member countries of the ASEAN Council of Japan Alumni (ASCOJA).
Aside from the symposium, the Governors of ASCOJA took the opportunity to hold a special meeting on the topic of Generational Change in ASCOJA with representatives of both ASJA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. After the meeting, the day ended with a Mekong River dinner cruise hosted by JAC.
The Trustees of the Philippine Federation of Japan Alumni, Inc. (PHILFEJA) had the honor of being hosted by Ambassador Kazuya and Madame Akiko ENDO of Japan for the first official dinner held at their residence last 12 April 2024.
The Trustees present were President Domingo C. Go (APPAJU), Vice-President Rommel G. Roque (SAPILNIP), Treasurer Dr. Neil H. Tan Gana (PHILJAMES), Atty. Marites Barrios-Taran (JAAP), and Ms. Cynthia M. Reyes (PHILCULTAROS). The other attendees were JICA Philippines Chief Representative, Mr. Takema Sakamoto, and (from the Embassy of Japan) Minister & Consul-General Takahiro Hanada, First Secretary & Labor Attache Chihiro Kanno, and JICC Research Adviser, Ms. Yurie Mukaigawa.
The event provided an opportunity for the new Ambassador to meet the officers of the Philippines-Japan alumni community and to introduce the various component organizations under PHILFEJA to him.
In his Twitter post, the Ambassador expressed confidence in furthering this partnership towards shaping a brighter future.
PHILFEJA, represented by President Domingo C. Go, participated in the ASEAN Council of Japan Alumni (ASCOJA) and Asia Japan Alumni (ASJA) meetings and several events in Tokyo from March 6 to 9, 2024.
ASJA Director Philip B. Sanvictores represented the Philippines at the ASJA Board Meeting on March 8th. For his part, Mr. Go attended the ASCOJA Governors’ Meeting which was held on the same day as well as several ancillary activities that were held: A joint meeting of the ASCOJA Governors with the alumni representatives from twenty-five (25) other countries, followed by a reception hosted by the State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yoshifumi Tsuge, which was likewise attended by Mrs. Akie Abe, widow of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and Mr. Tatsuo Fukuda, Chairman of the General Council of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). In addition, separate courtesy calls were held on Toshiko Abe, State Minister for Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and on Yoshifumi Tsuge, State Minister for Foreign Affairs. ASJA hosted a farewell reception which was attended, among others, by Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki of Japan.
The Philippines-Japan Society, Inc. (PJS) held a welcome reception for the newly appointed Japan Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Endo Kazuya last April 19, 2024 at the Grand Pavilion of the Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City.
Mr. Francis C. Laurel, PJS President, welcomed Amb. Endo in the opening remarks he gave to start the event. H.E. Endo, delivered a message to the attendees as a response to the reception.
Amb. Endo highlighted in his speech the extent of the flourishing partnership the Philippines and Japan have cultivated through the years, from economy, people to people exchanges, and at present extending to defense and security. He expressed his wish for the strong bond between the two countries to reach greater heights, “As our strategic partnership continues to evolve, I hope to find in every one of you a partner in building a more prosperous and sustainable future for our people.” In closing his message, he acknowledged the efforts and support of the people involved in the continuous growth of the Philippines and Japan’s partnership, “I would like to express my deep appreciation to all of you in this room for your warm support, friendship, and commitment to strengthening the ties between Japan and the Philippines.”
Prestigious guests graced the event including Mr. Ramon S. Ang, President and CEO of San Miguel Corporation; Mr. Hans T. Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime; Mr. Manuel V. Pangilinan, Chairman, President, and CEO of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation; and Mr. Edgar O. Chua, Chairman of the Makati Business Club. The LG Strings played the music accompaniment during the dinner.
Corporate Secretary Atty. Jose Vicente E. Jimenez served as the master of ceremonies for the event. Mr. Gerard B. Sanvictores, PJS Vice-President, concluded the night with his closing remarks.
References:
Welcome Remarks by Mr. Francis Laurel
Speech of Ambassador ENDO Kazuya
Closing Remarks by Mr. Gerard Sanvictores
Photos
