Study Room, Malacañan Palace
March 1, 2024

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the Rank of Datu (Grand Cross) Gold Distinction upon His Excellency Koshikawa Kazuhiko, outgoing Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines, in recognition of his substantial efforts in strengthening bilateral relations, during a farewell call at the Study Room in Malacañan Palace.

During their meeting, President Marcos Jr. highlighted the enhanced bond between Japan and the Philippines, noting advancements in security, defense and other areas. He expresses his gratitude for Japan’s support in sustaining peace in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The Chief Executive also pointed out the crucial role of the partnership with Japan in driving economic growth and transformation in the country, assuring that the initiatives previously undertaken would be expanded on a larger scale.

In response, Ambassador Kazuhiko emphasized that the strengthened collaboration between the two nations extends beyond economics, highlighting improvements in sectors such as security, infrastructure, national defense and maritime domain awareness. He also expresses his profound gratitude for the Administration’s unwavering support during his Ambassadorship.

Among Ambassador Kazuhiko’s significant accomplishments, as mentioned in the citation, were his steadfast advocacy for nurturing diverse government-to-government collaborations, particularly in development cooperation; fostering high-level dialogues and exchanges between the Philippines and Japan. The citation also recognizes the “initiatives that significantly contributed to addressing the Philippines’ priorities in areas of infrastructure, education, transportation, defense and maritime domain awareness, as well as human resource development,” and “Japan’s longstanding commitment to promoting peace and development in Mindanao through the peace process, grassroots development and the ongoing transition of the BARMM,” among others.

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