MANILA — The Japanese government on Saturday announced it will confer decoration to three Filipinos who made their mark in bridging Japan-Philippines relations.
Among them is Feliciano Torres, chairman of Yazaki Torres Corporation, who will receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, in recognition of his contribution to strengthening the economic relations between Japan and the Philippines.
Since the founding of Yazaki-Torres Corporation in 1974, the Japanese Embassy in Manila cited his "valuable contributions" to Japan’s economy and automobile industry.
"In 1998, he served as co-Chairman of PHILJEC (Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee) and led dialogues on trade and investment between Japan and the Philippines," it said in a press statement.
"In addition, he helped lead and represent the position of the automobile industry of the Philippines during the crafting and development of the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA), which faced serious challenges during negotiation. Thanks to his hard work and contributions, PJEPA was successfully concluded and accepted by both countries," it added.
Another Filipino receiving the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette is retired Judge Antonina Oshita Escovilla, a second generation Japanese descendant who served as the legal adviser of the “Philippine Nikkeijin Kai” that assists persecuted Japanese-descended Filipinos.
"While caring for the needs of the members, she investigated the ownership rights of the land possessed by Japanese ancestors and traced the roots of Japanese forefathers (for the recognition of Japanese nationality). She also exerted efforts in improving educational environment for children of Japanese descents, helped establish the identity of Japanese descendants and contributed to uplifting their status," the embassy said.
"Since 2011, as the President of the organization, she has continued to extend support to a huge number of Japanese descendants and has garnered the deep trust not only from Japanese descendants but also many other Filipinos," it added.
Meanwhile, Manolito Salapare, a former local staff member of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, will receive the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Silver Rays in recognition of his "dedicated long years of service" to the Embassy.
"The Embassy of Japan extends its sincere congratulations to Mr. Salapare and his family, and hopes that he will continue to contribute to the friendly Japan-Philippines ties," the embassy said. (PNA)
