PH Ambassador Highlights Strong, Mutually Beneficial Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership On Its 20th Anniversary
TOKYO 25 September 2026 — Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano highlighted the strong and mutually beneficial economic partnership between the Philippines and Japan, describing it as “one of the Philippines’ most transformative bilateral economic relations,” during a reception held at the Official Residence of the Philippine Ambassador on 16 September 2026 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA).
Ambassador Garcia-Albano emphasized that the partnership has generated opportunities and strengthened both economies, with the Philippines becoming an integral part of Japanese supply chains and an important partner in the growth of Japanese companies, while Japanese investments have created jobs and supported economic activity in the Philippines. She added that Philippine bananas and pineapples contribute to Japan’s food security, while Filipino workers, including healthcare professionals, have become an important part of Japanese society and its economy. Japan’s development cooperation has likewise supported vital infrastructure, peacebuilding, and initiatives that have improved the lives of Filipinos.
Left photo: Ambassador Garcia-Albano formally welcomes guests to the PJEPA@20 reception. Right photo: Senior Deputy Minister Endo (at podium) is joined by (from left) Ambassador Garcia-Albano, Undersecretary Ligon, Deputy Chief of Mission De Jesus, and Commercial Counsellor Pamintuan in offering a toast.
Looking ahead to the next 20 years, Ambassador-Garcia-Albano underscored the strong strategic alignment between the two countries, noting that “few countries in East Asia have strategic interests as closely aligned and mutually reinforcing as those of the Philippines and Japan.” She highlighted the Luzon Economic Corridor, Pax Silica, and defense industry development, including shipbuilding, repair, and maintenance, as areas offering new opportunities for cooperation.
Ambassador Garcia-Albano also shared that the Philippines and Japan are working to modernize PJEPA to ensure that it remains responsive to “changing geoeconomic realities,” including new opportunities in critical minerals, electric mobility, ICT and AI, and energy.
Left photo: Ambassador Garcia-Albano (center) with Undersecretary and Mrs. Ligon. Right photo: Ambassador Garcia-Albano (2nd from left) with Senior Deputy Minister and Mrs. Endo (right side), and Mr. Rafael Alfredo Albano (leftmost).
The reception was attended by Philippine and Japanese officials in charge of economic matters and other partners, including Philippine Finance Undersecretary Rolando Ligon, Jr. and Mrs. Maria Lourdes Ligon, and Japanese Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Kazuya ENDO and Mrs. Akiko ENDO. Senior Deputy Minister Endo recently concluded a highly productive tour of duty as Japan’s Ambassador to the Philippines.
The Philippine Embassy in Japan also formally introduced Commercial Counsellor and Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) Tokyo Head Froilan Emil Pamintuan, who is serving his second tour of duty in Japan.
The reception also showcased Philippine creative industries, featuring works by renowned Filipino designers Jaggy Glarino, Joey Samson, and Rhett Eala, presented at the Bench Threads of Dreams Runway Show in Tokyo on 1 September.
Creations of renowned Filipino designers on display at the Philippine Ambassador’s Official Residence.
Guests were also treated to Japan-exclusive Kinampay ube gelato, created through a collaboration between renowned Roman gelateria Giolitti, Chef Francesco Taglialatele, and UBE.JP, a Japan-based initiative bringing premium Philippine Kinampay ube to the Japanese market. Agriculture Attaché Maria Alilia Maghirang delivered a presentation highlighting the growing global popularity of ube and its potential to become another Japanese favorite, alongside Philippine bananas and pineapples.
Philippine ube takes center stage with presentations from the Embassy’s Agriculture Attaché Aleli Maghirang (bottom left photo) and UBE.JP founder JP Mercado (upper left photo). Right: The Giolitti and UBE.JP Teams serve Kinampay ube gelato prepared by Chef Francesco Taglialatele.
As the Philippines and Japan mark both PJEPA’s 20th anniversary and the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations, the Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to building on the partnership’s achievements and advancing an even more strategic, resilient, and mutually beneficial economic relationship. END
Ambassador Garcia-Albano (seated center) with (seated from left) Mrs. Ma. Lourdes Ligon, Undersecretary Rolando Ligon Jr., Senior Deputy Minister Endo Kazuya and Mrs. Endo Akiko with Philippine Embassy and MOFA officials.
Ambassador Garcia-Albano (seated center) with (seated from left) Mrs. Ma. Lourdes Ligon, Undersecretary Rolando Ligon Jr., Senior Deputy Minister Endo Kazuya and Mrs. Endo Akiko with Philippine Embassy and METI officials.
Ambassador Garcia-Albano (seated center) with (seated from left) Mrs. Ma. Lourdes Ligon, Undersecretary Rolando Ligon Jr., Senior Deputy Minister Endo Kazuya and Mrs. Endo Akiko with Philippine Embassy and MAFF officials.
Ambassador Garcia-Albano (seated center) with (seated from left) Mrs. Ma. Lourdes Ligon, Undersecretary Rolando Ligon Jr., Senior Deputy Minister Endo Kazuya and Mrs. Endo Akiko with representatives of JICA, the ASEAN-Japan Centre, and other partner agencies.
