Outgoing Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya has received an Order of Sikatuna Grand Cross with Distinction from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in recognition of the envoy’s steadfast efforts to strengthen Philippine-Japan relations

Endo, who made a courtesy call to Marcos Jr. in Malacañang on Thursday, was recognized for promoting bilateral exchanges and deepening cooperation between the Philippines and Japan across various fields, including defense, security, and development cooperation.

The award also cited his valuable support for initiatives aligned with the Philippines’ priorities in infrastructure, education, transportation, maritime domain awareness, and human resource development.

 
Further, Endo was extolled for advancing Japan’s longstanding commitment to peace and development in Mindanao, including its support for the peace process, grassroots development, and the transition of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The citation also highlighted the ambassador’s efforts to mobilize humanitarian and development assistance from the Japanese government during natural disasters and recent regional crises.

Apart from that, Endo was recognized for initiatives that fostered friendship, mutual understanding, and goodwill between the Filipino and Japanese peoples.

 
The Order of Sikatuna is conferred upon individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious service to the Philippines or in recognition of outstanding contributions to Philippine-Japan relations.  

The Philippines and Japan are celebrating 70 years of normalized relations this year and 15 years of Strengthened Strategic Partnership since 2071.