Philippine Embassy in Tokyo Hosts Diplomatic Reception to Celebrate 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence
From left to right: Parliamentary Vice Minister Hon. Suzuki, JPPFL Sec. Gen. Hon. Otsuka, Hon. Yamaguchi, Amb. Laurel V, former PM Hon.Fukuda, Minister of Justice Hon. Yamashita and Hon. Aoyama.
The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo celebrated the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence with a diplomatic reception held on 19 June 2019 at the historic Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.
Over 300 high dignitaries, including a large gathering of ambassadors and senior diplomats of foreign embassies in Tokyo, members of parliament, senior Japanese officials and Japanese business executive, among others, were present to mark the occasion.
Ambassador Jose C. Laurel V delivering his remarks during the ceremony.
In his remarks, Ambassador Jose C. Laurel V heralded the arrival of the Asian century, with the Philippines at the forefront of the region’s economic development. He underscored the shift of global economic activity to Asia and said that should Asia sustain the momentum of its growth, “(T)he region is projected to achieve an even greater role as the epicenter of global prosperity by 2050, producing half of the world’s GDP and accounting for half of the world’s output, trade and investment.”
Ambassador Laurel also cited the 6.2 percent Philippine GDP growth over the past three years and expressed optimism that current investments in infrastructure and human capital would help the country grow at 7 percent on a sustained basis. He thanked the Japanese government for having been one of the main foreign contributors in aiding the economic boom and infrastructure development in the country.
For his part, Minister of Justice Hon. Takashi Yamashita highlighted the golden era of Japan-Philippine relations, brought to light by the recent visit of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and the signing of a landmark memorandum of cooperation which lays the groundwork for more secure recruitment and employment of Filipino skilled workers in Japan.
The evening’s very special guests also included Ministry of Foreign Affairs Parliamentary Vice Minister Hon. Norikazu Suzuki, former Prime Minister Hon. Yasuo Fukuda, Japan-Philippines Parliamentarian Friendship League Secretary General Hon. Taku Otsuka, Chief Representative of the New Komeito Party Hon. Natsuo Yamaguchi and Parliamentarian Hon. Yamato Aoyama.
After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a variety of traditional Philippine cuisine with the world-famous Philippine mango as dessert, and musical performances from Filipino artists. Guests also marveled at the Philippine-made products displayed at the venue.
Cuatro Almas of the UST Conservatory of Music performs for the audience.
Guests enjoyed Philippine cuisine served by Imperial Hotel.
Go Lokal products were featured at an exhibit of Philippine-made products.
