Davao City, Philippines – Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Endo Kazuya, accompanied by his wife Mme. Endo Akiko and embassy officials, paid a courtesy call to Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte on January 28 at City Hall. The visit reinforced Japan’s commitment to its longstanding partnership with Davao City.
During the meeting, Ambassador Endo expressed his delight that Davao City was his first official trip outside Manila this year. He acknowledged the city’s well-established engagements with Japan and emphasized key areas of collaboration, including the Davao Bypass Construction, the Metro Davao Master Plan, and the Waste-to-Energy project.
Highlighting the deep-rooted historical ties between Japan and Davao, Ambassador Endo noted that Japanese migration to Davao began over 120 years ago, particularly in the abaca industry. He thanked the city for its support of the Japanese community, including business leaders and the Nikkei Jin descendants.
“Davao City also has several sister city relationships with Japan, including Kitakyushu, Sennan, and Hamamatsu. Our embassy is pleased to strengthen our connections with these sister cities,” he added.
Mayor Sebastian Duterte, in response, acknowledged Japan’s vital role in Davao’s development, particularly in infrastructure and socio-economic growth. He emphasized that Japan serves as a model for progress and discipline, values he hopes to instill in Dabawenyos through the city’s DCplinado program.
“We would like to emulate the good things happening in Japan. Dabawenyos can learn a lot from the Japanese people, particularly in cultivating discipline and a strong sense of community,” the mayor said.
Mayor Duterte also welcomed further collaborations, particularly in education and agriculture. He expressed excitement over the progress of the bypass tunnel project, recognizing its importance in accommodating the city’s rapid growth.
The courtesy call was attended by key Davao City officials, including Vice Mayor Atty. J. Melchor Quitain Jr., Councilors Al Ryan Alejandre and Myrna G. L’Dalodo Ortiz, as well as city department heads. Representing Japan were Embassy of Japan (EJP) officials, including first secretary Kurihara Shinobu, second secretary Kinoshita Akito, third secretary Saka Ryosuke, Consul General of Japan in Davao Mr. Ishikawa Yoshihisa, and Vice-Consul Akari Oda.
H.E. Endo Kazuya, who succeeds former Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with the Philippines while supporting trilateral cooperation with the United States.
