Roberto Jose “Bobby” L. Castillo is the Recipient of the 44th PJS Medal of Merit (July 21, 2025)

August 5, 2025by secretariat in PJS tagged , , , , , ,

The gathering among prominent business leaders, diplomats, friends, and family filled the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, with a renewed spirit of fellowship, great synergy, and festive ambiance at the 44th Philippines-Japan Friendship Celebration Awards Night on July 21, 2025. The highlight of the evening was the conferment of the prestigious 44th Philippines-Japan Society Medal of Merit on Mr. Roberto Jose “Bobby” L. Castillo, former President and CEO of EEI Corporation.

The program commenced with the singing of the national anthems of the Philippines and Japan, followed by opening remarks from PJS President Francis C. Laurel, who honored the enduring and deepening relations between the Philippines and Japan, which were further galvanized through the efforts of Mr. Castillo during his days as Chairman of PHILJEC. Congratulatory and solidarity messages were also delivered by H.E. Kazuya Endo, Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Philippines, and Ambassador Makoto Katsura, President of the Philippine Society of Japan.

As the final course was served, the night transitioned into its ceremonial highlight with Atty. Maria Melva E. Valdez, PJS Corporate Secretary, read the citation honoring Mr. Castillo. It highlighted the instrumental role of Mr. Castillo in actively fostering partnerships and collaborations on economic progress and development beneficial to both countries, thereby strengthening Philippines-Japan relations. 

The full citation can be viewed here. 

PJS President Francis C. Laurel, assisted by Vice-President Mr. Gerard B. Sanvictores, donned the medal of merit and plaque containing the citation to Mr. Castillo, who wholeheartedly accepted. This was followed by a commemorative photo session.

Photos can be viewed here.

As the evening drew to a graceful close, Mr. Castillo stood on the stage with deepest appreciation. He spoke with warmth and genuine joy about the honor bestowed upon him, fondly recalling his experiences working with Japanese companies and later extended to meaningful engagements with Japanese government officials. Such interactions furtherly developed his role in trade between the Philippines and Japan.

“I would visit Japanese companies like Suzuki Motors, Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, Fuji Denki, Sanden, Nippon Denso, and many many more to invite them to come to the Philippines.  It took a lot of convincing because we were having eight hours of power outages during that time.  We asked them to come with their power generators to establish factories here…… and they came!”

“My friendships with Japanese executives and government officials blossomed further with my involvement in PHILJEC-JPECC during the many trade meetings we held between Japan and the Philippines. I would like to tell you that I cherish those relationships in my heart. As truly, it was built on mutual respect and understanding.”

Read the full acceptance speech here.

The evening was serenaded by the awe-inspiring melodies of the LG Strings Trio.

Atty. Carrie Bee C. Hao served as the Master of Ceremonies.

(L-R) PHILJEC Chairman Richard Albert I. Osmond, PJLA President Dra. Nora A. Torres, Ms. Valerie G. Agrava, PJS President Francis C. Laurel, Mr. Roberto Jose L. Castillo, Mrs. Elvira E. Castillo, Madame Akiko Endo, H.E. Ambassador Kazuya Endo, PSOJ President Amb. Makoto Katsura

References:
Opening Remarks of Mr. Francis C. Laurel
Greetings by H.E. Endo Kazuya
Citation of the Medal of Merit
Acceptance Speech of Mr. Castillo
Photos

PHILJEC Hosts the 14th Asian Business Summit in Manila

July 30, 2025by secretariat in PHILJEC tagged , , , ,

The 14th Asian Business Summit was held in Manila on July 3–4, 2025, marking 11 years since the Philippines first hosted the summit in 2014. This year’s event was co-organized by the Philippine-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee (PHILJEC) and the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), bringing together business leaders from over 12 economies for meaningful intra-regional dialogue.

Ahead of the summit discussions, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed the heads of delegation during a courtesy call at Malacañang Palace on July 3. In his remarks, the President emphasized the importance of interdependence and strengthened cooperation amid ongoing challenges in the global economy.

On July 4, delegates convened at the Grand Hyatt Hotel for the main sessions of the 14th Asian Business Summit. Mr. Richard Albert I. Osmond, PHILJEC Chairman, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing this year’s theme: “Towards Strengthening Asian Economic Cooperation in Challenging Times.” Mr. Masayuki Hyodo, Vice Chairman of Keidanren, also addressed the assembly, raising critical issues currently confronting the Asian region.

The Summit tackled four thematic plenary sessions that focused on key regional economic challenges and opportunities. Following the discussions, a Joint Statement was released, affirming the delegates’ shared commitment to achieving sustainable growth through enhanced trade, investment, innovation, and human resource development across the region.

The Joint Statement highlighted four priority areas:

  1. Strengthening the Rules-Based International Economic Order
    The Summit stressed the importance of maintaining a free, open, and rules-based international economic system. Given heightened fragilities of global supply chains and the increasingly complex geopolitical ecosystem, the role of plurilateral and bilateral Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in advancing trade and investment throughout Asia were emphasized.
  2. SePromoting Green Transformation through Diverse Pathways
    In response to increasing fossil fuel dependency and the intensifying impacts of climate change, the Summit called for the promotion of green transformation initiatives. These are deemed vital to achieving a decarbonized and sustainable future for the region.
  3. Fostering Innovation through AI and Start-up Development
    The role of innovation – particularly generative AI – was recognized as both transformative and disruptive for society and the global and regional economy. The Summit advocated for the establishment of international rules regarding customs duties on electronic transmissions and the promotion of a secure cyberspace. The need to cultivate a vibrant start-up ecosystem through regulatory reform and streamlined processes was also emphasized.
  4. Enhancing Regional Strength through Human Resource Development
    The Summit encouraged the development of diverse human capital via exchange programs, new educational models, cultural immersion opportunities, and the easing of residency requirements. It also proposed the mutual recognition of professional licenses and qualifications, alongside the conclusion of social security agreements, to support greater mobility and integration.

Following the conclusion of the plenary sessions, a ceremonial handover was conducted to formally pass the responsibility to the next host of the Asian Business Summit – the Singapore Business Federation. Final remarks were then delivered, after which the meeting was officially adjourned.

That evening, a farewell dinner was held, attended by several foreign dignitaries accredited to the Philippines, as well as local government officials. Among those present were:

  • His Excellency Agus Widjojo, the Ambassador of the Embassy of Indonesia
  • His Excellency Kazuya Endo, the Ambassador and Plenipotentiary of the Embassy of Japan
  • Her Excellency Constance See, the Ambassador of Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Manila
  • Her Excellency Makawadee Sumitmor, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Royal Thai Embassy, Manila
  • The Honorable Wallace Minn-Gan Chow, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office
  • Ms. Hyun-Jung Jung, Economic Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of the Philippines
  • Ms. Kay Thew Khine, Economic Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar
  • Mr. Jeevan Kandpal, Second Secretary (Economic & Commerce Wing) of the Embassy of India, Manila
  • Atty. Allan B. Gepty, Undersecretary of the  Department of Trade and Industry
  • Ms. Ma. Bernadita Angara-Mathay, Commercial Counsellor of DTI-PTIC
  • Mr. Paul Vincent L. Uy, Assistant Secretary (Office of International Economic Relations) of the Department of Foreign Affairs

References:
Opening Remarks of Mr. Richard Osmond
Joint Statement
Photos
Presidential Communications Office
Keidanren

PHILJEC Welcomes New Members in Induction and Meet & Greet Reception

June 20, 2025by secretariat in PHILJEC tagged , , , ,

The Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee, Inc. (PHILJEC) formally welcomed its newly elected members during an induction ceremony held on June 11, 2025, at the Philippines-Japan Friendship Foundation in Makati City. The event was led by PHILJEC Chairman Richard Albert I. Osmond, who officiated the induction and extended his warm congratulations to the incoming members.

The ceremony began with a formal induction of distinguished companies into PHILJEC’s growing network. Among those welcomed were:

  • Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, whose Principal Representative is Ms. June Cheryl A. Cabal-Revilla, Executive Vice President. She was represented at the ceremony by Atty. Ricardo “Jun” M. Pilares III, Vice President for Legal, Corporate Secretary, Compliance Officer, and Corporate Governance Officer.

  • Micromatic Industries Incorporated, represented by its President and CEO, Mr. John Allan T. Vinta.

Following the induction, members and guests gathered for a meet-and-greet cocktail reception. PHILJEC Secretary-General Philip B. Sanvictores opened the evening with remarks emphasizing PHILJEC’s ongoing commitment to fostering collaboration and advancing shared economic goals between the Philippines and Japan.

To mark the occasion, Mr. Sanvictores offered a celebratory toast in honor of the newly inducted members, symbolizing the beginning of strengthened partnerships and collective growth. The evening concluded on a warm and lively note, as attendees engaged in meaningful exchanges that reflected PHILJEC’s spirit of cooperation and mutual advancement.

JULY 2025 JLPT TEST VENUE ANNOUNCEMENT

May 22, 2025by secretariat in Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)

ANNOUNCEMENT

April 16, 2025by secretariat in Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
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