Ambassador ENDO Kazuya hosts reception for Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, recipient of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun
On 26 January 2026, Ambassador ENDO Kazuya hosted a reception at his residence to congratulate Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri on his conferment of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun as part of the 2025 Autumn Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals.
Senator Zubiri served as the Senate President from 2022 to 2024. In this capacity, he fostered numerous exchanges among legislators, thereby strengthening diplomatic relations and inter-parliamentary ties. He also made significant contributions to enhancing Japan-Philippines economic relations through his support for the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and his efforts to improve the investment environment. As bilateral cooperation expanded beyond the economic sphere into the security domain, he worked diligently toward the early approval of the Agreement between Japan and the Philippines Concerning the Facilitation of Reciprocal Access and Cooperation between the Self-Defense Forces of Japan and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (RAA).
In recognition of these achievements, the ceremony of Imperial Conferment of Decoration was held at the Imperial Palace on 11 November 2025. The order was conferred upon Senator Zubiri by His Majesty the Emperor, and a certificate of order was conveyed to the recipient by Prime Minister TAKAICHI Sanae.
During the reception, Ambassador Endo delivered his congratulatory remarks commending Senator Zubiri's contributions to further deepening Japan-Philippines relations, followed by Senator Zubiri’s acceptance speech. Former Senate President Drilon, who had served as President of the Philippine-Japan Parliamentarians Association for 11 years, also delivered his congratulatory message and led the toast.
Approximately 60 guests from diverse fields attended the reception to celebrate the award, including Senator Zubiri's family, Senators from the 20th and 19th Congresses, and Philippine government officials such as Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara, former cabinet members, past recipients of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, business leaders, representatives of Japanese companies, and Senate staff.
The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines reiterates its deep respect and gratitude for Senator Zubiri's contributions to date.
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Remarks of Ambassador ENDO Kazuya at the Commendation Ceremony for Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri
Remarks of Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri at the Awarding Reception