Strengthening Philippines-Japan Economic Ties: The 41st JPECC-PHILJEC Joint Meeting in Tokyo, Japan

March 25, 2025by secretariat in JPECC, PHILJEC tagged 41st Joint Meeting, JOINT MEETING, JPECC, JPECC-PHILJEC, PHILJEC-JPECC

On March 3, 2025, the Japan-Philippines Economic Cooperation Committee (JPECC) and the Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee, Inc. (PHILJEC) successfully held their 41^st Annual Joint Meeting with the theme “Towards Alleviating Social Problems in Japan and the Philippines through Enhanced Economic Partnerships.”

Distinguished guests and delegates were welcomed by JPECC Chairman Mr. Takehiko Kakiuchi and PHILJEC Chairman Mr. Richard Albert I. Osmond in their respective opening remarks. Congratulatory messages from Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. were also read.

The meeting’s keynote address was delivered by Secretary Frederick D. Go, Special Assistant to the President on Investments and Economic Affairs. He outlined major investment priorities under the new CREATE MORE Act, which aims to attract more foreign investors by enhancing tax incentives and streamlining business regulations.

This was followed by three plenary sessions:

Japanese Investments in the Philippines
1. Ms. Mari Ishizuka – General Manager, Digital Finance Dept., Financial Services Division, Mitsubishi Corporation
1. Mr. Tereso O. Panga – Director-General, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)
Large-Scale Food Production Imperatives for the Philippines
1. Mr. Yodo Kawase – President & General Manager, Kubota Philippines, Inc.
1. Dr. William D. Dar – Former Secretary of the Department of Agriculture
Harnessing Filipino Human Resources
1. Mr. Tomohisa Kato – Group CEO/Founder, Zuitt, Inc.
1. Ms. Doris Magsaysay Ho – President-CEO, Magsaysay Group of Companies

The meeting concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Kakiuchi, and PHILJEC Co-chairman Mr. Alfred V. Ty.

On March 2, prior to the Joint Meeting, the Philippine Society of Japan (PSOJ) hosted a reception at the Sakura Room of the Imperial Hotel to welcome the Filipino delegates. Mr. Mamoru Sekiyama, PSOJ Chairman, and Amb. Makoto Katsura, PSOJ President, welcomed the guests. Mr. Gerard B. Sanvictores, Vice-President of the Philippines-Japan Society, Inc. (PJS) delivered a short speech at the event and H. E. Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano proposed a toast after the speech.

On March 4, high-level meetings were also held between PHILJEC and Keizai Doyukai (Japan Association of Corporate Executives), and another meeting with Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) to address vital issues impacting workforce mobility, trade, and economic cooperation between the two countries. Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque and PEZA Director-General Tereso O. Panga also attended these meetings.

Lastly, PHILJEC executives and delegates paid a courtesy call on H. E. Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano at her official residence on March 5 to report on the proceedings of the March 3 and 4 meetings.

Reference Materials

PHILJEC Joins Flag Raising Ceremony in Celebration of National Arts Month

February 7, 2025by secretariat in PHILJEC tagged Flag Raising, Flag Raising Ceremony, National Arts Month, Salute to a Clean Flag, Stop and Salute

In celebration of National Arts Month, members of the Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee (PHILJEC), led by Chairman Richard Albert I. Osmond, and Co-Chairman Alfred V. Ty, participated in the Stop and Salute Flag Raising Ceremony held at Rizal Park, Luneta on February 03, 2025.

Held every first Monday of the month, this ceremony is organized by the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC), the Salute To A Clean Flag Movement, and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. It brings together leaders from government, business, and cultural sector to pay tribute to the Philippine flag — a powerful symbol of patriotism, unity, and national pride. It also serves as a platform to spotlight national themes such as Women’s Month, in support of the country’s various advocacies.

Among the distinguished guests were Minister Daisuke Nihei, Minister for Economic Affairs of the Embassy of Japan; Mr. Shigeru Shimoda, Vice President of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines and CEO of Marubeni Philippines Corporation. Also in attendance were representatives from the Nihongo Center Foundation (NCF), the Philippine Institute of Japanese Language & Culture (PIJLC), the Philippines-Japan Ladies Association (PJLA), and Philippine Federation of Japan Alumni (PHILFEJA) — underscoring Japan’s commitment to fostering cultural and economic partnerships with the Philippines.

Notable Filipino cultural advocates were also present, including Ms. Nini Andrada-Sacro, muralist and founder of Climb Against Cancer Pilipinas; Mr. Alexandre Jel G. Avila, Vice President of Renacimiento Manila and Member of Nilad Community; Mr. Emmanuel Angeles, President and Creative Director of Ludritz Ventures, Inc.; and Architect Gio Abcede, President of the Heritage Conservation Society. Other representatives from government and private sectors were also in attendance.

The Stop and Salute Flag Raising Ceremony continues to serve as a meaningful platform for honoring national symbols and fostering unity. By bringing together Filipino and international stakeholders, it reinforces a shared commitment to the country’s historical legacy and cultural identity.

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Salute to a Clean Flag Facebook post

PHILJEC Welcomes New Members with Induction and 2025 New Year’s Toast

January 22, 2025by secretariat in PHILJEC tagged induction, New Members

The Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee, Inc. (PHILJEC) held its induction ceremony at the Philippines-Japan Friendship Foundation in Makati City on January 16, 2025. The ceremony, led by the esteemed Prime Minister Cesar E.A. Virata marked the official welcoming of new members into PHILJEC and was graced by the presence of H.E. Kazuya Endo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Philippines.

*H. E. ENDO Kazuya, Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines (center) with PHILJEC Chairman Richard Osmond (left) and PHILJEC Co-Chairman Alfred Ty*

The ceremony celebrated the induction of distinguished companies, each represented by their respective delegates. Among them were Mr. Luis Alberto A. Anastacio of Servicio Filipino, Inc., Atty, Valeriano S. Del Rosario of VERALAW, Ms. Sachie Ogawa of Sachie-Rocio Beaute & Health, Inc., Ms. Marie Leonore V. Olivares-Vital of Ovialand, Inc., Mr. Rommel G. Roque of Manpower Philippines, Mr. Yasunori Takamatsu of MOL Enterprise Philippines Inc., and Ms. Arlene C. Tena of Cebu Air, Inc. As part of the ceremony, the new members were presented with certificates of membership to formalize their inclusion in the organization.

The event was followed by a New Year’s Toast for 2025. PHILJEC Chairman Richard Albert I. Osmond delivered the opening remarks, expressing his enthusiasm for fresh opportunities, milestones, and shared accomplishments in the current year. PHILJEC Co-Chairman Mr. Alfred V. Ty then proposed a toast to new partnerships. The rest of the evening was marked by meaningful conversations and opportunities for collaboration between the new and existing PHILJEC members.

PHILJEC Members Attend the 50th ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand

November 12, 2024by secretariat in PHILJEC tagged 50th AJBM, AJBM, ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting, Keizai Doyukai

Led by Mr. Richard Albert I. Osmond, Chairman of the Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee, Inc., PHILJEC delegates attended the 50^th ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting (AJBM) held at The Okura Prestige in Bangkok, Thailand from November 6 to 8, 2024. This event marked a historic milestone in the partnership between ASEAN member countries and Japan. Under the theme “Building Resilient Partnerships for Sustainable Futures,” the meeting brought together prominent business leaders, and industry experts to engage in meaningful discussions and debates to explore critical issues affecting the region.

November 6 was reserved for the Steering Committee Meeting, and Welcome Reception for the Steering Committee Members which was held at the Hard Rock Café, Bangkok. The evening started with greetings and toast from Mr. Kalin Sarasin, the 50^th AJBM Chairman and Honorary Chairman of the Thailand Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand. This was followed by a presentation on “Geopolitical Trends surrounding ASEAN and Japan’s Investment towards ASEAN” by Mr. SHIBATA Soichiro, Director of the Monitor Deloitte.

The conference officially began on November 7, with welcoming remarks from Mr. Sarasin. Subsequent remarks were delivered by Mr. HIRAKO Yuji, 50^th AJBM Co-Chairman and Co-Chairperson of Japan-Asia Relations Committee of Keizai Doyukai; Mr. MIKE Kanetsugu, Vice Chairperson of Keizai Doyukai and Member of the Board of Directors, Chairman of MUFG; and H. E. OTAKA Masato, Ambassador of Japan to Thailand.

H. E. Mr. Akanat Promphan, Minister of Industry of Thailand delivered the keynote speech on “Strengthening ASEAN-Japan Cooperation for Economic Stability and Sustainability in the Digital Age.” This was followed by a presentation on “Strategic Partnerships: Exploring ASEAN-Japan Relations in a Dynamic Global Context” by Dr. Somkiat Tangkitvanich, President of Thailand Development Research Institute.

The first panel discussion moderated by Mr. Muhaymin Khan, Manager of YCP focused on Food Security. This panel addressed the urgent need for action to prevent food shortages in ASEAN nations. Panelists included:

Dr. Poj Aramwattananont, President & CEO, SeaValue Public Company Limited
Mr. SAKAKURA Ichiro, President, Ajinomoto Thailand
Mr. Salman Ghazali, Group Chief Strategy Officer, FGV Holdings Berhad

Shortly after the lunch break, the second panel discussion focusing on Tourism commenced. Moderated by Ms. Fei Yong, Manager of YCP, this panel highlighted the role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in preserving the tourism value chain. Panelists included:

Mrs. Suphajee Suthumpun, Group CEO, Dusit International
Mr. KITAGAWA Hiroyuki, President & CEO, JTB PTE Ltd.
Mr. KANDA Shinya, President & CEO of ANA X
Mr. Joydeep Chakraborty, Chief Strategy Officer, Traveloka

A brief discussion on Food Culture in Tourism followed, led by Associate Professor Jutamas Wisansing, PhD, Managing Director & Consultant at Perfect Link Consulting Group and Mr. Matthew John Knights, Chief Hospitality Group Officer, Asset World Corporation.

The third panel discussion focused on Mobility and was moderated by Mr. Nuttapan Meethong, Director of YCP. The panel addressed the growing challenge of air pollution and its impact on public health and urban living. Panelists included:

Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok
Mr. Prasanna Kumar Ganesh, Executive Vice President, Toyota Motor Asia
Mr. Yew Heng Lim, Group Managing Director, Grab Holdings

Following this, Keizai Doyukai and Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) presented on HR Platform. Speakers for this session are:

Mr. HIRAKO Yuji, Co-Chairperson, Japan-Asia Relations Committee, Keizai Doyukai and Senior Advisor, ANA Holdings, Inc.
Mr. AIZAWA Nobuhiro, Dean and Managing Director, ERIA’s School of Government
Mr. WATANABE Kazufumi, Group CXO, Executive Vice President and Executive Officer, SOMPO Holdings, Inc.

H. E. KIYA Masahiko, Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN served as respondent.

The conference concluded with closing remarks from Mr. IMAI Seiji, Co-Chairperson of Japan-Asia Relations Committee of Keizai Doyukai and Chairman, Member of the Board of Directors of Mizuho Financial Group.

Several Thai and Japanese media were invited to a press conference after the meeting.

Discussions are compiled into a whitepaper which can be accessed through the link below.

Links:

50^th AJBM Materials

PHILJEC Hosts a “Meet and Greet” Cocktail Reception

October 10, 2024by secretariat in PHILJEC tagged Cocktail Reception, Embassy of Japan, EOJ, JAMI, Japanese Association Manila, Japanese Chamber of Commerce, JCCIPI

On September 17, 2024, the Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee, Inc. (PHILJEC) hosted a Cocktail Reception at the Philippines-Japan Friendship Foundation in Makati City, dubbed as a “Meet and Greet” in honor of the newly elected officers of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines, Inc. (JCCIPI) and the Japanese Association Manila, Inc. (JAMI). Directors of both JCCIPI and JAMI and several officials of the Economic Section of the Embassy of Japan who were recently assigned to Manila graced the occasion.

PHILJEC Chairman Richard Albert I. Osmond welcomed the honorees and guests and expressed his enthusiasm for strengthening partnerships between Philippine and Japanese businessmen. In response, Mr. Harutaka Ishikawa, President of JCCIPI, and Mr. Kazunori Okamoto, President of JAMI expressed their gratitude to PHILJEC for hosting the event. They reiterated their commitment in promoting economic collaboration between Japan and the Philippines, as well as in forging interpersonal friendships between Filipinos and Japanese residents in Manila. Further, Atty. Lilia B. De Lima, PHILJEC Adviser and former PEZA Director-General gifted PHILJEC with a copy of her book “Breakthrough”. Mr. Ferdinand “Perry” A. Ferrer, Co-Chairman of PHILJEC proposed a toast after which PHILJEC members and guests mingled and enjoyed the rest of the evening.

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