Former secretaries of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of National Defense (DND) are among four Filipino recipients of Japanese government awards in the 2023 Spring Conferment of Japanese Decorations, as announced by the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines on Saturday, April 29.
The honorees include former DFA Secretary Hon. Alberto Romulo, former DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, former National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Chief Gamaliel Cordoba, and Maritime Anthropologist and Foremost Japanologist Dr. Cynthia Neri Zayas.
The recipients will be honored for their contributions to building Japan-Philippines bilateral relationships and strategic partnerships.
Romulo will receive the "Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun," citing his "contributions to promoting friendly relations and mutual understanding between the two countries, according to the Japanese embassy.
Lorenzana will be awarded with the "Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star" for his efforts in "enhancing defense cooperation and exchanges between Japan and the Philippines."
Cordoba will get the "Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon" for helping to "advance cooperation between the countries in the field of telecommunications."
Lastly, Zayas will be honored with the "Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon," recognizing her efforts in "promoting Japanese culture and society through her research and professorial stints."
The awarding of honors is based on Article 7 of the Japanese Constitution. It is an awarding ceremony led by the Emperor.