MANILA — Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa on Tuesday, October 3, paid a farewell call on President Rodrigo Roa Duterte as he concludes his stint as Japan’s top diplomat in the country.
During the call at Malacañan Palace, the President expressed his gratitude to the outgoing ambassador for his service and vowed to continue cooperating with Japan in various areas, particularly in regional security.
Kazuhide was appointed Ambassador to the Philippines in August 2014.
President Duterte also recognized Japan’s assistance to the country, especially through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
JICA is an agency that aims to contribute to the promotion of international cooperation as well as the sound development of Japanese and global economy by supporting the socio-economic development, recovery or economic stability of developing regions.
At the same time, the President expressed his high respect to the Japanese emperor.
President Duterte said he expects the Japanese government for sending someone who is equally capable as the outgoing envoy.
He also conferred on Ambassador Kazuhide the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu.
The Order of Sikatuna is an order of diplomatic merit conferred upon individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Republic of the Philippines and is one of the senior honors of the country.
It is awarded to diplomats, officials, and nationals of foreign states who have rendered conspicuous service in fostering, developing, and strengthening relations between their country and the Philippines or upon personnel of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), both in the home office and in the foreign service.
On Tuesday, President Duterte also led the donning of ranks to newly promoted officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Malacañan Palace.
The officers include Lt. Gen. Galileo Kintanar, Rear Admiral Jande Francisco, Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla Jr., Maj. Gen. Isidro Purisima and Maj. Gen. Macairog Alberto.
The Chief Executive also led the donning of ranks to newly promoted officers of the Presidential Security Group (PSG). (PND)