Ambassador Laurel Turns Over The Donation of the Philippine Government to Hokkaido Governor Harumi Takahashi
Ambassador Jose C. Laurel V paid a courtesy call on Hokkaido Governor Harumi Takahashi to turn over the donation of the Philippine Government to provide relief and assistance for victims of the Iburi East Earthquake in Hokkaido of September 2018.
Governor of Hokkaido Harumi Takahashi warmly greets Ambassador Jose C. Laurel V
Bilateral meeting of Ambassador Laurel and Governor Takahashi
Ambassador Laurel conveyed the personal greetings of President Duterte and the President’s personal wish to extend this assistance to our Japanese friends. He shared how President Duterte’s experience in local government has made him very sensitive to the situation in Hokkaido.
Governor Takahashi warmly welcomed Ambassador Laurel, and acknowledged the donation of the Philippine Government. She explained the unprecedented nature of the catastrophe in Hokkaido, and that the local government, with the support of the central government, is working hard to accelerate recovery. She requested that the Ambassador personally convey Hokkaido’s appreciation to the President.
Ambassador Laurel presents the Certificate of Donation to Governor Takahashi (left). Governor Takahashi responds by presenting a Letter of Appreciation (right)
Both sides agreed that the recently launched direct flight of Philippine Airlines between Manila and Sapporo augurs well for increased friendship and mutual exchanges between the two countries, not only in business exchanges, but also in people to people exchanges. Governor Takahashi graciously said that this meeting will be the first of many continuing conversations between the Hokkaido Prefectural Government and the Philippine Embassy.
Ambassador Laurel presented Governor Takahashi with a gift from Batangas, a bottle of Lakan liquor.
Also present in the meeting were Mr. Toshiaki Nakajima, Executive Director for International Affairs of the Hokkaido Prefecture, Mr. Kazuaki Ikeda, Director of the International Exchange Office of the Bureau of International Affairs, Philippine Embassy Minister for Political Affairs Mme. Evangeline Ong Jimenez-Ducrocq, and Philippine Honorary Consul in Hokkaido Mr. Ken Tobe.
