Tokyo, Japan
October 31, 2017

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte conferred the Gawad Sikatuna (posthumous award) with the rank of Grand Collar (Raja) to the Honorable Takeo Fukuda, the late Japanese Prime Minister, at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo during his Official Visit to Japan.

The citation reads, “In recognition of his vital and significant role in helping usher in an era of cooperation, peaceful relations, trust and friendship between Japan and ASEAN, through his articulation of the ‘Fukuda Doctrine’ on 18 August 1977 during the visit to Manila; and, for his unequalled leadership in shaping and guiding Japan’s relations with the nations of Southeast Asia including the Philippines, such that Japan has become one of the staunchest supporters of ASEAN centrality and unity, regional stability, connectivity, and overall development.”

The award was received by the descendants of the Honorable Takeo Fukuda led by his son, former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, together with his spouse Kiyoko Fukuda, and children; Honorable Tatsuo Fukuda, Member of the House of Representatives; Mr. Shigeo Fukuda, business executive; and grandson Honorable Takao Ochi, Member of the House of Representatives.

The Gawad Sikatuna is the highest form of recognition given by the President to a foreign individual and foreign leader.

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