Japan Confers Decoration on SGV Founder Washington Z. SyCip

The Government of Japan announced on April 29, 2017 the conferment of The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, on Mr. Washington Z. SyCip, Founder of SyCip, Gorres, Velayo & Co. (SGV & Co).

This is in recognition of Mr. SyCip’s contribution to facilitating the development of locally-based Japanese companies, thereby promoting stronger business relations between Japan and the Philippines.

As a pioneer in the industry, Mr. SyCip has served as business adviser to many Japanese companies in the Philippines through the SGV, a topnotch accounting and consulting firm established in Manila in 1946.

Mr. SyCip’s commitment to foster friendly ties with the Japanese people dates back to the 1960s when he persuaded President Diosdado Macapagal to allow the very first branch of a Japanese bank to invest in the Philippine market. This led to the subsequent entry of other Japanese trading firms and the revival of Japan-Philippines economic relations during that period. From then on, SGV, under Mr. SyCip’s strong leadership, has played a crucial role supporting the business operations of Japanese firms in the Philippines.

Mr. SyCip also co-founded in 1968 the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) in the Philippines and has since served as chairman emeritus of its board of governors and its board of trustees. AIM has provided globally-recognized postgraduate studies especially among Asian nationals and has forged cooperation with several international partner schools, including Japanese universities.

Moreover, Mr. SyCip was instrumental in the creation of the Japanese garden “Tsuru Ki en” located at the Washington SyCip Park in Makati to promote better appreciation of the Japanese culture among Filipino people. 

The Government of Japan wishes to express its hope that Mr. SyCip will continue to take an active role in further strengthening close relations between our two nations.