The Philippines-Japan Society, Inc. (PJS) held the 43rd Philippines-Japan Friendship Celebration and Awards Luncheon on September 26, 2024 at the Grand Hyatt Manila, BGC, Taguig. The highlight of this annual event was the conferment upon the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe The Philippines-Japan Society Medal of Merit for his outstanding achievements in the promotion of Philippines-Japan relations.
Mr. Francis C. Laurel, President of the Philippines-Japan Society, delivered the opening remarks, reflecting on the enduring legacy of Prime Minister Abe and his contributions to strengthening relations between the two countries. Greetings were likewise extended by H.E. Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Philippines to Japan, and H.E. Kazuya Endo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Philippines.
A special highlight of the luncheon was a presentation on the 2025 Osaka World EXPO by Ambassador Koji Haneda, former Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines and currently the Commissioner General of the World Exposition. Moreover, a video on an activity of the Oita National College of Technology – an awardee of the Foundation for Encouragement of Social Contribution, which is an advocacy of Madame Akie Abe – was presented.
A citation accompanying the Medal of Merit was read by Mr. Gerard B. Sanvictores, Vice-President of the Philippines-Japan Society, whereupon the Philippines-Japan Society Medal of Merit was posthumously conferred on the late Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe, which was received by his wife, Madame Akie Abe.
In her heartfelt response, Madame Abe expressed her gratitude for the honor bestowed on her late husband and shared vision of Prime Minister Abe of a strong and enduring partnership between the two nations. Her words stirred the hearts of the audience whose presence paid tribute to the legacy of a great Japanese statesman who distinctively paved the way for what is now known as the ‘Golden Age of Philippines-Japan relations’.
Copies of the speeches and video presentations may be accessed through the following links.
References:
Program
Opening Remarks by Mr. Francis C. Laurel
Greetings by H. E. Mylene J. Garcia-Albano
Greetings by H. E. ENDO Kazuya
Greetings by Amb. KATSURA Makoto
Message from Amb. HANEDA Koji
Medal of Merit Citation
Response of Mrs. ABE Akie
Photos
Osaka Expo 2025 Promotional Video
Video Presentation by Foundation for Encouragement of Social Contribution
