A HIGH-LEVEL delegation from the Japanese government, led by Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya, visited Davao City on January 28, 2025, to discuss opportunities for economic collaboration and further strengthen bilateral ties between Japan and the city.
During his first official trip outside Manila for this year, Ambassador Kazuya was excited to witness the fruitful results of ongoing collaborations between the city and Japan. His trip served as a reminder of the deep and enduring ties that have connected both nations for over 120 years.
Kazuya also took the opportunity to highlight key projects that have strengthened the partnership, such as the Davao Bypass Construction, the ambitious Metro Davao Master Plan, and the innovative Waste-to-Energy project. These initiatives, he noted, are not just milestones in infrastructure but also symbols of Japan’s commitment to supporting sustainable development in the region.
The ambassador also took a moment to acknowledge Davao’s welcoming atmosphere and its vital role in fostering a strong Japanese community, including business leaders and the Nikkei Jin, who have long contributed to the city’s growth and prosperity.
On the same day, the Japanese official, alongside the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), also led the ceremonial activity of handing over birth registration equipment to 12 municipalities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) and Sulu.
According to Kazuya, the project marks the initial phase of the Japan-funded Initiative for Promoting Digital Birth Registration, with plans to extend to 50 municipalities within the next 30 months.
Currently, Kazuya, who succeeded former Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko, is dedicated to strengthening Japan-Philippines relations as strategic partners, with a focus on advancing trilateral cooperation with the United States. DEF
