77th Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan

  Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda joined the 77th Commemoration of the ARAW NG KAGITINGAN on April 9, 2019 at the Mount Samat National Shrine in Pilar, Bataan. The ceremony was also attended by Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año representing President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, and Vice President Leni Robredo.

   Ambassador Haneda referred to the statement made by  Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the 73rd National Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead that Japan will never again repeat the devastation of war. In his speech, the Ambassador said that Japan, humbly facing history, will remain committed to this resolute pledge no matter what the era may bring. He said the Japanese government will earnestly tackle various issues that can become hotbeds of conflict and tirelessly work toward bringing about a world in which everyone can live in a way that is rich in spirit. He assured that Japan will carve out the future of the nation for the present generation and the generations to come.

   The Ambassador also emphasized that the path Japan has taken as a peace-loving nation in the past 74 years will remain unchanged. He said Japan is determined to make greater contributions to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity for all in this region and beyond together with like-minded nations and key partners—including the Philippines and the United States—that uphold the fundamental values of democracy and the rule of law.