His Excellency President Benigno S. Aquino III;
His Excellency Former President Fidel V. Ramos;
Honorable Members of the Cabinet;
Honorable Leslie Bassett, Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of the United States of America;
Distinguished Veterans and Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen:
It is a great honor for me to join you all today.
Seventy years has passed since those cruel days. I wish to pay my greatest tribute to those who endured hardship and pain and solemnly pray for those souls who paid the ultimate sacrifice. I also hereby express our heartfelt apologies and deep sense of remorse for the tragedy.
The Japanese today are a far cry from the Japanese in those days. We have learned the lessons of history. Our people are solidly behind the peace-loving constitution.
Despite all the suffering during the war, Filipinos today are one of the most pro-Japanese people. Filipino caregivers stayed on in Fukushima after the nuclear accident. For their selfless act, the Philippine government bestowed upon them the 2011 Bagong Bayani (New Heroes) Award for Community and Social Service last December. The four awardees said “ ginawa lang po namin ang nararapat sa pagkakataong iyon .” (We just did what was right under the circumstances.) When H.E. President Aquino said here last year “our country has had no greater friends than the U.S. and Japan,” we appreciated it very much.
The U.S. is our closest ally. After the earthquake of March 11, the US forces deployed 15 naval vessels, 140 aircraft, and 16,000 personnel. They worked hand in hand with the Japanese, clearing the debris and transporting relief goods. It was a moment when many ordinary Japanese recognized anew that a friend in need is a real friend.
We have come a long way. I thank our forbear er s for having the wisdom to overcome the bitterness and nurture the strong alliance we enjoy today.
It is the responsibility of our generation and those who follow us to continue on this path. By sharing fundamental values such as democracy, freedom, respect for human rights, and rule of law, we have , and will find common , ground. Peace and prosperity for all is what we seek.
Sa pagkakaisa tayo ay malakas, sa pagkakawatak-watak tayo'y babagsak . (United we stand, divided we fall.)
Long live our friendship! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat!
Embassy of Japan in the Philippines