Filipino – Japanese Community, Baguio LGU Renew Ties

The Filipino – Japanese Foundation of Northern Luzon Inc. (FJFNLI) and the City Government of Baguio affirm continuing partnership and cooperation with the celebration of Philippine – Japan Friendship Day here, Sunday.

FJFNLI chairman Carlos Teraoka and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong with guest of honor His Excellency Koji Haneda, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines, led other officials, guests and partner stakeholders in a floral offering and candlelight ceremony at the Peace Memorial Tower at the Filipino – Japanese Garden along Governor Pack Road.

Also highlighting the celebration was a “Prayer for Peace” wherein all the guests and participants offered thanksgiving to the observance of Filipino – Japanese Friendship Day and called for God’s blessing for their continuing commitment towards peace, love, justice and hope.

Ambassador Haneda congratulated FJFNLI through the leadership of Teraoka and all their partners for the Filipino – Japanese Friendship Day ceremony which showcases the continuing understanding and cooperation between the Filipino – Japanese community and the city government of Baguio.

Haneda also gave recognition to the Peace Monument which was erected in 1973, and remains to be a symbol of the wonderful friendship between Japan and the Philippines. He also affirmed Japan’s continuing commitment to contribute to the peace and prosperity of the world.

For Baguio’s part, Magalong expressed gratitude to Japan for being one of the most trusted and dependable allies of the Philippines today, as well as to the FJFNLI for being an active community partner of the city.

Magalong also assured continuing friendship and more years of partnership with Japan and especially to the Filipino – Japanese community in Baguio and with the city’s Japan sister city, Hanyu.

July 23 of each year is being observed in the country as Philippine – Japan Friendship Day by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 854 signed in 2005 by then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)