PEACE-MAKER
As our wife Gina and we embark on our current visit in Japan, we are enveloped by a profound sense of nostalgia. This beautiful country, with its harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, has been the backdrop to numerous pivotal moments in our public service career.
During our tenure as Speaker of the House of Representatives and later as Founder and Chairman of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), we had the privilege of engaging with Japan’s esteemed leaders. Being received twice by then Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko remain etched in our memory, as do discussions with Prime Ministers Shinzo Abe, Junichiro Koizumi, Ryutaro Hashimoto, and other senior political figures. Our dialogues centered on fortifying political, parliamentary, economic, and cultural ties between the Philippines and Japan. Together, we explored avenues to promote peace and development across Asia, recognizing the shared destiny of our nations.
The relationship between the Philippines and Japan has undergone a remarkable transformation since the dark days of World War II, when Japan invaded and occupied the Philippines from 1941 to 1945. The war left deep scars, but in the decades that followed, both nations worked tirelessly to rebuild trust and forge a strong partnership. By the 1950s, diplomatic relations were reestablished, and Japan committed to post-war reparations, which laid the foundation for economic cooperation and reconciliation.
Today, Japan is one of the Philippines’ most important allies, particularly in trade, investment, and infrastructure development. As the largest provider of Official Development Assistance (ODA) to the Philippines, Japan has played a crucial role in funding key projects such as highways, railways, and disaster resilience programs.Additionally, Japanese investments have boosted industries like manufacturing, automotive, and energy, creating jobs and helping spur economic growth.
From wartime adversaries to close partners, the Philippines and Japan have built a relationship based on mutual respect, shared prosperity, and a commitment to regional peace and development.
Japan’s allure extends beyond diplomacy; it has become a favored destination for Filipino tourists. In 2024 alone, approximately 818,700 Filipinos visited Japan, marking a 31.6 percent increase from the previous year. This surge reflects the deepening appreciation Filipinos have for Japan’s rich heritage, culinary delights, and scenic landscapes.
Moreover, the Filipino community in Japan has grown substantially. As of June 2024, there are about 332,293 Filipinos residing here, with many employed in healthcare, engineering, and technical fields under various labor agreements. Their contributions, both to their host country and back home, are invaluable. In 2024, remittances from Filipinos in Japan amounted to approximately $1.68 billion, bolstering the Philippine economy.
As Gina and we traverse familiar streets and encounter both old friends and new faces, we are reminded of the enduring bond between our nations. This journey is not just a personal trip down memory lane but a celebration of the vibrant and dynamic relationship between the Philippines and Japan—a partnership poised to further flourish in the years to come.