Japan Leads Groundbreaking Ceremony for Monument Honoring Late President Elpidio Quirino

On 29 February 2024, Ambassador KOSHIKAWA Kazuhiko led the groundbreaking ceremony to mark the erection of a monument honoring the late President Elpidio Quirino. Proposed by ANG PINOY @ HAPON UNITED FOUNDATION, Inc., this monument will stand as a symbolic tribute to President Quirino’s exemplary leadership, humanity, and historical foresight in shaping bilateral relations between Japan and the Philippines.

The ceremony, held beside the Memorial for Peace (Osawa Shrine) at the New Bilibid Prison Reservation Area in Muntinlupa City, was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Hon. Rozanno Rufino B. Biazon, Mayor of City Government of Muntinlupa; Mr. Marlon Mangubat, Chief Inspector of Bureau of Corrections; Ms. Socorro Alicia Rastrollo Quirino, Trustee of President Elpidio Quirino Foundation; and Mr. ASANUMA Takeshi, Chairman of ANG PINOY @ HAPON UNITED FOUNDATION, Inc.

In his address during the ceremony, Ambassador KOSHIKAWA emphasized the importance of acknowledging the unfortunate history that preceded the harmonious bilateral relationship between Japan and the Philippines. He noted that the Japanese “must keep in mind that the Filipino spirit of forgiveness has been instrumental in overcoming past tragedies and building strong relationship we enjoy now."

President Elpidio Quirino’s significant contributions to fostering strong ties between Japan and the Philippines were underscored in this ceremony. His statesmanship and act of forgiveness towards Japanese Prisoners of War (POW) laid the foundation for the exceptional bilateral relationship that thrives today.
 
In July 2023, the Embassy also commemorated the 70^th anniversary of the Presidential Pardon for Japanese POWs at President Quirino’s memorial in the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Since 2016, a monument of President Quirino stands at Hibiya Park in Tokyo. Japan continues to show its respect towards President Quirino's achievements in Japanese society and its impact on Japan-Philippines relations. This ceremony ensures that his contributions will be remembered for years to come.