President Marcos confers Order of Sikatuna on outgoing Japanese ambassador

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has conferred the Order of Sikatuna, Grand Cross with Distinction on outgoing Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya in recognition of his contributions to further strengthening Philippines-Japan relations.

Endo was recognized during a farewell call at Malacañang on Thursday “for promoting bilateral exchanges and deepening cooperation between the Philippines and Japan across various fields, including defense, security and development cooperation.”

The award cited his support for initiatives aligned with the Philippines’ priorities in infrastructure, education, transportation, maritime domain awareness and human resource development.

Endo was also recognized for advancing Japan’s longstanding commitment to peace and development in Mindanao, including its support for the peace process, grassroots development and the transition of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The citation highlighted the ambassador’s efforts to mobilize humanitarian and development assistance from the Japanese government during natural disasters and recent regional crises.