Japanese envoy visits Davao

DAVAO CITY — Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya visited Davao City on 27-28 January, marking a significant trip that included multiple engagements with local institutions, government officials and community members.

During his visit, the ambassador explored various cultural and historical sites, participated in important ceremonies and engaged in meaningful discussions with local leaders.

On 27 January, Ambassador Endo visited the Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku (Mindanao International University) and the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School (PNJK-IS), where he observed Japanese language classes.

He also visited the “Pera Pera” School and the Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku, offering words of encouragement to students studying Japanese. He expressed his gratitude for the warm reception from students and engaged in a friendly conversation over lunch with key figures, including Inez Yamanouchi Mallari, president of Mindanao International University, and Judge Antonina Oshita Escovilla, chancellor of the board of trustees.

Ambassador Endo also visited the Davao City Bypass Road Construction Project, which is being funded through Japanese grant aid. During the visit, he toured the tunnel excavation site, accompanied by Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadaine from the Department of Public Works and Highways.

On 28 January, Ambassador Endo visited the Mintal Japanese Cemetery, where he laid flowers at a monument honoring Japanese pioneers who passed away in the early 1900s as Davao was being developed. He also visited several other Japanese memorials in the cemetery, reflecting on the historical ties between Japan and Davao.

The Ambassador continued his journey at the IMIN Museum, where he explored the history of the Japanese community in Davao before World War II.