The government of Japan recently conferred its prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star to former defense secretary and current Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Chairman Delfin Lorenzana for his "instrumental role in enhancing the defense relations and cooperation" of Tokyo and Manila, the BCDA announced on Tuesday, July 4.
Former defense chief and current Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Chairman Delfin Lorenzana is all smiles as he received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star from the Japanese government on June 30, 2023. (Photo: Delfin Lorenzana Facebook page)
Lorenzana was bestowed the national decoration by Japan Emperor Naruhito through Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko during a conferment ceremony held last June 30 at the ambassador’s official residence in Makati.
"The resolute dedication and hard work put in by Honorable Lorenzana in building our defense relationship warrants tantamount recognition. This decoration embodies the deepest appreciation of the Government of Japan for his exemplary leadership and progressive achievements," Koshikawa said.
Established in 1875, the Order of the Rising Sun is a Japanese decoration accorded by the Emperor of Japan to both Japanese and foreigners who made exceptional accomplishments in their fields.
The conferment of the national decoration to Lorenzana was first announced by the Japanese government last April 29.
In his acceptance speech, Lorenzana expressed his gratitude to the Japanese government and its people “for their enduring support, friendship, and belief in the bilateral relations of our two countries.”
“I am deeply honored and humbled to accept the prestigious Japanese Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star. This recognition fills my heart with gratitude and joy, and I extend my sincerest appreciation to the Japanese government for bestowing this remarkable honor upon me,” he shared.
Lorenzana, a retired Army general, served as the defense chief from 2016 to 2022 under the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Under his leadership, the implementing arrangements concerning the transfer of defense equipment and technology was signed by the Philippines and Japan in 2019.
It was also during his term that several military equipment were transferred by the Japanese government to the Philippines, including the five TC90 maritime reconnaissance aircraft for the Philippine Navy, search and Rescue (SAR) equipment for the Philippine Army, and P1 billion worth of UH1H or “Huey” helicopter spare parts for the Philippine Air Force.
The contract for the procurement of four air surveillance radar systems amounting to US$103 million or P5.5 billion for the Philippine Air Force was also signed by Lorenzana with Japanese company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in 2018.
Lorenzana was also commended for his participation in the conduct of the first 2+2 Defense and Foreign Affairs ministerial meetings in Tokyo on April 2022, where he and then Foreign Affairs secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. discussed with Japanese counterparts Defense Minister Nobou Kishi and Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa issues of common interest to both countries.
After he ended his stint at the Department of National Defense in 2022, he became the chairman of BCDA, a state-run corporation mandated to develop former United States base lands and Metro Manila camps into productive economic centers, under the current administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.