Latest news with #EndoKazuya
Filipino Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Filipino Times
PH-Japan defense pact to take effect September 11
The Philippines and Japan will formally implement their Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) on September 11, 2025, paving the way for expanded security cooperation, including joint military drills, disaster response, and other defense activities. Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro and Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya led the ceremonial exchange of notes in Manila, marking the agreement's entry into force. The RAA allows the deployment of Japanese and Filipino troops in each other's territory for exercises and training. The Japanese Embassy said the pact would 'further promote security and defense cooperation' with the Philippines, describing it as a strategic partner at a vital maritime crossroads that shares 'fundamental values and principles.' Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. stressed that the agreement is not aimed at any specific country but will serve as deterrence against actors who 'may not share our values.' He said it will enable both nations' armed forces to work together 'to preserve the world order against unilateral attempts to reshape it.' The deal, modeled after Manila's Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States, is Japan's first defense pact in Asia. Tokyo has similar arrangements with Australia and the United Kingdom. The Philippines and Japan have deepened defense ties under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in response to regional security challenges, including China's increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea and Tokyo's dispute with Beijing over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea.
GMA Network
26-07-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Envoy stresses economic, security ties on 69th Japan-PH friendship day
Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya has underscored the various aspects of partnership between Manila and Tokyo to mark the 69th Japan-Philippines Friendship Day. In his writeup titled "A Friendship Woven in Trust: Commemorating 69 Years of Japan-Philippines Ties," posted on the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines' website, Endo described the economic partnership between the two nations as an "important thread." "Japan has been consistently supporting sustainable development in the Philippines. The past year has seen a significant bolstering of our economic cooperation, with Japan contributing to quality infrastructure projects in the country," the Japanese envoy said. "These include the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP), the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), and the Davao City Bypass Construction Project—all funded by Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA) through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Apart from these projects, this year, we also celebrate the 60th anniversary of JICA's Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV), which has been providing grassroots support for the development of various countries, including the Philippines," Endo said. He added that Japan also remains as one of the top investors in the Philippines, especially in Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) locations with cumulative investments exceeding P550 billion and direct employment of over 300,000 Filipinos. "Following the relaxation of foreign ownership rules in retail, we've recently welcomed several prominent Japanese brands. Nitori opened its first store in 2024, shortly after I assumed my post last year. In addition, Mitsukoshi BGC opened in mid-2023. These are landmarks in the growing Japanese retail presence in our market," he said. "Japan also continues to extend its steadfast support for the peace process in the Bangsamoro region, through the three pillars of the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD). These efforts encompass capacity-building for the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), assistance in the transformation of former combatant communities into progressive and resilient societies, and the provision of socio-economic development assistance. As we look forward to the first Bangsamoro Parliament elections, we recognize this milestone as a significant stride towards achieving lasting peace and prosperity in the region," he added. Security ally The Japanese envoy, moreover, said "security cooperation thread" is growing evidence of deepening trust between the Philippines and Japan, "driven by our shared commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)." "This concept, promoting peace, stability, and prosperity across the region through ensuring rules-based international order, has certainly been realized by our bilateral cooperation. The Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) signed in July 2024, for instance, has emerged as a landmark achievement for our two countries," Endo said. The RAA will grant access to military personnel from both states to hold joint trainings in each other's country. Similar to the 1999 Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States, the RAA is Japan's third defense accord after the United Kingdom and Australia. "Its unanimous approval by the Philippine Senate in December of the same year and its approval by the Japanese Diet last June underscore our shared commitment to regional peace and stability. In the recently held Japan-Philippines Summit Meeting, our two leaders further agreed to commence negotiations on an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA). The meeting also confirmed the importance of an early conclusion of an Agreement on the Security of Information," Endo said. Earlier this month, Japanese media reported that Japan was set to export six warships to the Philippines. The envoy said Japan's support for the Philippines' security capabilities remains well represented through the Official Security Assistance (OSA) scheme. "At present, the Philippines holds the distinction of being the first recipient of the OSA, as well as the only country to have been granted OSA funding for two consecutive years. Japan is further conducting a feasibility study for the OSA for the third year," Endo said. "We have also witnessed the frequent conduct of Maritime Cooperative Activities (MCA) and increased port visits by Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) vessels in the country. This year, in fact, we had the honor of hosting the 71st Anniversary of the Japan Self-Defense Forces aboard the JMSDF vessel, JS ISE, during its visit at the Port of Manila," he added. The envoy also cited the High-Level Launch Meeting of the Friends of the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) in September 2024, alongside the Philippines, exemplifies our collaborative approach. "As fellow members of the Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative, we are working together to enhance cooperation in nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation," Endo said. Cultural ties The envoy highlighted the Filipinos' growing interest in Japanese culture, citing the record-high of over 820,000 Filipino visitors to Japan last year. "With the recent opening of the Japan Visa Application Center (JVAC), we are optimistic about sustaining this encouraging trend in the years ahead," Endo said. "With tourism a promising source of shared experiences, our ties continue to find renewal through the personal encounters Filipinos have with Japanese culture. In our lively receptions at the Ambassador's Residence, I've had the privilege of hearing about the lasting friendships and experiences forged by Filipino participants in the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme and recipients of the Japanese Government Scholarship (MEXT)," he said. "Meanwhile, the aspirations of our Filipino JDS (Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship) Fellows and SSEAYP (Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program) delegates have also been a glowing testament to deepening people-to-people exchanges with the Philippines," he added. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
08-07-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Japan vows to help PH improve airspace surveillance capabilities
The Japanese government on Tuesday expressed its commitment to supporting the Philippines in enhancing the country's airspace surveillance capabilities. 'This Air Surveillance Radar System further strengthens the enduring and unwavering defense partnership between Japan and the Philippines,' Ambassador Endo Kazuya said in a press release. Kazuya said that the Air Surveillance Radar System Acquisition Project with Japan includes three fixed surveillance radars and one mobile air surveillance radar. The ambassador visited the air surveillance radar site in the southern portion of the Philippines on June 17. According to the Embassy of Japan in Manila, the site is the second location for the surveillance radar system, marking the first completed defense equipment transfer from Japan. During his visit, Kazuya received briefings on the various tests currently underway in preparation for the radar's operational launch. In 2023, the Philippine Air Force acquired a new Air Surveillance Radar System from Japan. Last year, Japan provided the Philippines with P611 million worth of defense equipment, including surveillance radars and boats, to ramp up the country's capabilities in deterring threats to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. —VBL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
07-07-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Japan to help BARMM in digital birth registration
The Japanese government on Monday vowed to extend support to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and Sulu Province on the promotion of digital birth registration of individuals. According to the Embassy of Japan in Manila, 'The Project for Promoting Digital Birth Registration of Populations at Risk of Statelessness in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)' seeks to digitalize the civil registration processes of Local Civil Registrars. It also aims to bring mobile birth registration activities closer to vulnerable areas so that residents may easily access them. 'This Official Development Assistance (ODA) underscores Japan's greater confidence in realizing human security that accommodates the region's diverse people,' Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya said in a press release. The embassy said that the project was implemented by UNHCR, with funding worth JPY 858 million (USD 5.5 million) grant. This will also enhance the facilitation of birth registration of Sama Bajaus or unregistered children in the context of forced displacement due to armed conflict in the region, the embassy added. Kazuya said that by providing birth documents to these populations who are at risk of statelessness, they will gain greater access to government services, education, and employment opportunities. 'The program will benefit at least 130,000 unregistered individuals in 50 communities situated in the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, with 800,000 more indirectly benefiting in the next 10 years,' Kazuya said. Kazuya had handed over vehicles, a motorboat, and advocacy kits, which are expected to help in ensuring faster and more comprehensive dissemination of information on the importance of birth registration in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. —LDF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
24-06-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Davao bypass project to help stimulate Mindanao's economy
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya lauded the Davao City Bypass Construction Project, saying that it will help enhance the economic activity in the southern portion of the Philippines. Kazuya branded it as a testament to Japan's commitment in enhancing connectivity in Mindanao. 'Upon completion, the project is expected to significantly reduce travel time, enhance mobility, and stimulate economic activity across Mindanao,' Kazuya said in a press release issued Tuesday. The envoy highlighted that the 2.3-kilometer tunnel stands as the longest mountain tunnel in the Philippines, marking a significant milestone in the country's road infrastructure. The tunnel connection marks a pivotal point in the overall construction phase, according to Kazuya. 'This cooperation between Manila and Tokyo's is a prime example of our nation's shared commitment to building infrastructure that meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and sustainability,' Kazuya said. Kazuya had visited the Davao City Bypass Construction Project and inspected the tunnel excavation site. The Davao City Bypass is the latest in the long line of high-impact infrastructure collaborations between Japan and the Philippines, dating back to the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway. The Philippines and Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency, had signed five loan agreements totaling over ¥171 billion to support key infrastructure and development projects. This included the Davao City Bypass Construction Project (Phase III), worth ¥46.338 billion. To recall, Japan remains the country's top Official Development Assistance (ODA) partner, with ongoing support in transport, disaster risk reduction, environmental protection, and peace-building efforts, particularly in the Mindanao region. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
