Japan’s Ambassador ENDO Kazuya visited Davao City for a series of engagements aimed at strengthening Japan–Philippines relations, as both countries commemorate the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic friendship this year.
Ambassador Endo delivered lectures at the Holy Cross of Davao College and Ateneo de Davao University, where he discussed the strong bilateral ties between Japan and the Philippines. He highlighted cooperation in trade and investment, security, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges, as well as the long-standing historical links between Japan and the Mindanao region.
At Holy Cross of Davao College, his wife conducted a cultural workshop on ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement. At Ateneo de Davao University, Ambassador Endo visited Japanese language classes and engaged with students through simple Japanese greetings and interactions.
The ambassador also met with local officials and stakeholders during his visit. On April 16, he joined alumni of the Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP) Davao chapter and paid a courtesy call on Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte to discuss continued cooperation between Japan and the city. He also met with members of the Davao business community to explore opportunities for stronger economic collaboration.
On April 17, Ambassador Endo held talks with Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairperson Leo Tereso A. Magno on ongoing development initiatives in Mindanao. He also visited a waste-to-energy facility project in Davao City, which is supported through Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA).
The visit underscored Japan’s continued commitment to strengthening partnerships in education, development, and economic growth in Mindanao and across the Philippines.
