Ambassador Endo honors individuals, group for contributions to Japan-Philippines relations
2026/7/31
On 31 July 2026, Ambassador ENDO Kazuya hosted a ceremony at his residence for the Ambassador’s Commendation awarded to select individuals and an organization for their invaluable contributions to strengthening Japan-Philippines relations.
[LT] Mr. Nobuo Fujii, Director and Advisor, The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines, Inc.
[MT] Dra. Nora A. Torres, President, The Philippines-Japan Ladies Association
[RT] Ms. Bendette B. McFarland, Filipino Language Teacher for MOFA Diplomats
[LB] Ms. Thelma Cleto-Salumbides, Filipino Language Teacher for MOFA Diplomats
[MB] Ms. Anne Dionisio, President, The Philippine Bonsai Society Inc.
[RB] Mr. Francis C. Laurel, President, Philippines-Japan Society
Mr. Nobuo Fujii, Director and Advisor, The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines, Inc.
Mr. Fujii has long contributed to the smooth operations of Japanese companies and residents in the Philippines through his activities with the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines, Inc. (JCCIPI), promoting greater mutual understanding between Japan and the Philippines.
Dra. Nora A. Torres, President, The Philippines-Japan Ladies Association
Dra. Torres has served as the President of the Philippines-Japan Ladies Association (PJLA) since 2019, whose work continues to foster the friendly relations between the two countries.
Ms. Bendette B. McFarland, Filipino Language Teacher for MOFA Diplomats
Ms. McFarland has served as a Filipino language instructor for Japanese Foreign Service Specialist at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Institute for Training, contributing to the development of specialized human resources in the Filipino language.
Ms. Thelma Cleto-Salumbides, Filipino Language Teacher for MOFA Diplomats
Ms. Cleto-Salumbides has served as a Filipino language instructor for many learners, including Japanese Foreign Service Specialists in the Philippines, and has likewise contributed to the development of specialized human resources in the Filipino language.
The Philippine Bonsai Society, Inc.
Since its establishment in 1973, The Philippine Bonsai Society, Inc. Has been a leading bonsai organization in the Philippines, dedicating itself to the promotion and development of the Japanese art of bonsai in the Philippines.
The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines congratulates all recipients of the Ambassador’s commendation and looks forward to their continued partnership in elevating Japan-Philippines ties.
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Remarks of Ambassador ENDO at the Awarding Ceremony of the Ambassador's Commendation