Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya attended a farewell ceremony hosted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday as he prepared to conclude his diplomatic assignment in the country.

During the ceremony, Endo expressed hope that strategic cooperation between Japan and the Philippines will continue to advance in addressing shared regional challenges. He praised the working relationship between the Japan Coast Guard and the PCG, as well as the leadership of PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan.

Gavan presented Endo with the Outstanding Achievement Medal and Ribbon, citing Japan’s contributions to the agency, including the provision of capital patrol vessels. Gavan cited that Tokyo’s support has strengthened bilateral maritime security ties and embodied the partnership between the two nations.

Earlier Monday, Endo paid a farewell call on Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac in Makati City.

Endo expressed appreciation for Cacdac’s cooperation in promoting the welfare and protection of Filipino workers deployed to Japan.

Cacdac and senior department officials hosted a farewell lunch in honor of the ambassador, reaffirming bilateral ties and exchanging views on ongoing labor cooperation and recruitment frameworks.

Department officials in attendance included Undersecretaries Felicitas Bay and Jainal Rasul Jr., Assistant Secretaries Levinson Alcantara and Julyn Ambito-Fermin, Japan Desk Coordinator Maria Teresa delos Santos and First Secretary Yafune Junya of the Embassy of Japan.