The Embassy of Japan and Stratbase Institute for Strategic and International Studies Co-host 70 Years of Philippines-Japan Friendship High-Level Conference
2026/3/25
On 24 March 2026, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, co-hosted with Stratbase Institute for Strategic and International Studies, organized a high-level conference commemorating 70 Years of Japan-Philippines Friendship at the Peninsula Makati. The event was attended by honorable guests, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ADM Ronnie Gil Gavan, PCG Spokesperson RADM Jay Tarriela, Supreme Court of the Philippines Former Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, Ateneo School of Government Professor of Praxis and Stratbase Institute Non-Resident Fellow RADM Rommel Jude Ong (Ret.), representatives from the national government, diplomatic corps, members of the academe, media, private sector, and civil society organizations. Department of Finance Secretary (DOF) Frederick Go also gave his remarks via video message.
In his message, Ambassador ENDO Kazuya recalled the vibrant and strengthened strategic partnership between Japan and the Philippines, highlighting key achievements in the two countries’ security cooperation, economic relations, and people-to-people exchange. As 2026 marks the 70th Anniversary of Japan-Philippines Friendship, he underscored that the conference will “serve as a meaningful opportunity to reflect on our shared future” and conveyed his optimism that the bonds of friendship and trust that Japan and the Philippines have woven together will continue to flourish for generations to come.
The conference brought together a distinguished roster of experts and stakeholders in Japan-Philippines relations. Keynote lectures featured renowned Filipino, Japanese, and Vietnamese specialists, including senior government officials, prominent academics, think tank representatives, and private sector leaders. Over the course of the discussions, the panelists provided a comprehensive analysis of the emerging trends, development, and strategic significance of security, economic development, and people-to-people exchange in Japan-Philippines ties.
The event reaffirmed that Japan and the Philippines’ bilateral relations stand on a strong foundation built on mutual trust and understanding. With the primary aim of deepening and bolstering cooperation, each panel served as a platform to advance Japan and the Philippines' strengthened strategic partnership through substantive dialogues.
--------------------------