PH Ambassador Highlights 70th Anniversary of Philippines-Japan Friendship During Courtesy Call of Ateneo de Davao University Students
Above photos: Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano (seated, center) with the students and faculty of the Business and Management Department and Entrepreneurship Department of the Ateneo de Davao University during the latter’s courtesy call on 24 February 2026.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano welcomed 80 students from the Business and Management Department and Entrepreneurship Department of the Ateneo de Davao University, together with their respective school officials to the Philippine Embassy on 24 February 2026 as part of the University’s international education trip to Tokyo.
During the visit, Ambassador Garcia-Albano briefed the students on Philippines-Japan relations, highlighting the vibrant and multi-faceted bilateral cooperation spanning economic, political, and people-to-people ties.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano delivered her remarks during the courtesy call of the Business and Management Department and Entrepreneurship Department of the Ateneo de Davao University.
“This year we are celebrating the 70th anniversary of the normalization of Philippines-Japan diplomatic relations. I would like to place a spotlight on the importance of the youth in building bridges between cultures and countries, and in further deepening Philippines-Japan friendship. I hope that through your international education trip, you were able to interact with many locals, and have gained knowledge on the best practices and latest developments in business and entrepreneurship in the host country, which you may apply in your studies and future careers,” underscored Ambassador Garcia-Albano in her remarks.
Ambassador Garcia-Albano likewise apprised the students of the latest developments in Philippines-Japan economic cooperation, including her participation in the 42nd Annual Joint Meeting of the Philippine and Japan Economic Cooperation Committees (PHILJEC-JPECC), held on 19 February 2026 in Manila. During the meeting, Philippine Government and private sector representatives reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening the Philippines’ trade and investment partnership with Japan.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, accompanied by First Secretary and Consul Alvin C. Malasig (rightmost), together with Dr. Raymund B. Sintos, Chairperson of its Entrepreneurship Department, and Dr. Divina B. Sabanal, Chairperson of the Business and Management Department of the Ateneo de Davao University (second from left, and leftmost, respectively), during the discussion session of the courtesy call.
The Embassy further highlighted key Philippine priorities in the economic sector, including expanding the Philippines’ market share for agricultural exports in Japan, particularly bananas, 75 percent of which are sourced from the Philippines.
Ambassador Garcia-Albano also shared information on various partnerships with Japan in the Davao region, including the Davao City Bypass Construction Project, as well as opportunities for trade and people-to-people exchanges between the Philippines and Japan such as agriculture training programs and sister-city arrangements.
The Ateneo de Davao University contingent was led by Dr. Raymund B. Sintos, Chairperson of its Entrepreneurship Department, and Dr. Divina B. Sabanal, Chairperson of the Business and Management Department.
