PBBM sees brighter future with ASEAN’s successful people-to-people partnership with Japan

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is seeing a brighter future with the successful partnership with Japan in over 50 years as he thanked them for its commitment and steadfast support for various initiatives in prompting friendship and camaraderie in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.

"We look forward to ASEAN and Japan's continued partnership beyond the 50th year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. We have done much in the previous 50 years. I believe the future can even be brighter," President Marcos said at the 50th Commemorative ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation Summit.

In his speech during the "Heart to Heart Partners across Generations," President Marcos looked back on the contributions of Japan as he thanked them for their efforts in maintaining peace and stability among the ASEAN member countries.

He also reflected on ASEAN and Japan's partnership.

"Allow me to express my gratitude to the Japanese Government for its commitment and steadfast support for the numerous initiatives promoting friendship and camaraderie among the peoples of ASEAN and Japan," President Marcos said.

President Marcos said that the Philippines and Japan will be able to continue the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) Program, which serves as a key component in building lifelong bonds of friendship and mutual understanding among young peoples in ASEAN and Japan.

He added that the Philippines is also grateful for Japan's efforts in spreading cooperation through the "Sports for Tomorrow" program, which not only promotes sports awareness among ASEAN youth but also urges inclusivity in sports by supporting the participation of women and persons with special needs.

"We wish to express our gratitude for Japan's WA Project. Aptly named 'Wa' for the Japanese concept translated as 'harmony,' the project is designed to enhance cultural understanding to facilitate cooperation among the citizens of ASEAN and among Japan," he said.

President Marcos said that the Philippines is looking forward to the implementation of the 2023-2025 ASEAN Cultural Heritage Digital Archives Project and the ASEAN Corner in Universities supported by the Japan-ASEAN Integrated Fund (JAIF).

The two projects will promote public access to digital archives, establish information centers on ASEAN topics in AMS libraries, and enhance ASEAN awareness and the realization of the narrative of ASEAN identity, according to President Marcos.

Before concluding his speech, President Marcos emphasized that the "Heart-to-Heart" partnership will not only allow two-way cultural and people-to-people exchanges but will also promote mutual understanding and cooperation between ASEAN and Japan.

"The 50 years of harmonious relationship between ASEAN and Japan is a testament of friendship, trust, and shared concerns— are the building blocks of peace and stability in our region. We look forward to ASEAN and Japan's continued partnership beyond the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation," he said.

President Marcos is currently in Japan for the 50th Commemorative ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation Summit.