Aside from being a certified Anglophile, I must admit that I am also a Shinnichi or certified Japanophile. There are a lot of aspects of Japanese culture and society that I admire and enjoy—the single malt whiskey (think Yamazaki 18 years), the coffee, the cuisine, the simple elegance of their design as evident in fashion and architecture, and, of course, the women who are among the most stylish in the world. There is also Japanese technology as seen in their cars and electronics, as well as their business ethic and management style.
Thus, when MVP and I received the invitation to be part of the official delegation, I immediately confirmed our participation. Surely this was one trip that was worth its while, even just to imbibe the understated elegance of Japan oncemore. And, on a personal note, it gave me a chance to visit my daughter Nicole who is now with the software division of sports apparel giant—ASICS.
The official visit took all of three days and, while there, President Duterte was able to obtain pledges and loans that amounted to around $19-billion. Quite a hefty sum, if you think about it, and no small feat either. The bulk of thepledge, around $17.2-billion, was offered by Marubeni Corporation forshort-to-long-term projects in mass transportation, infrastructure, water and energy.
(Standing, from left) Publisher and special envoy to the US Babe Romualdez, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Sal Panelo and French Baker’s Johnlu Koa
President Duterte and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe likewise sat down and discussed the mutual maintenance of peace and stability in the region. Of course, the President had to clarify that there was no military alliance made with China, all to well aware that Japan was also involved in a territorial dispute with the Chinese mainland.
An offshoot of the meeting between the President and Prime Minister Abe was a $157-million loan to develop our Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) by providing them with state-of-the-art patrol vessels.
Japan has been a major source of Official Development Assistance (ODA) through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The ODA will continue even under this administration, especially with regard to agricultural development in MIndanao.
To the President and his Cabinet, and to the success of the Japan visit, I say Domo Arigatogozaimashita! Kanpai!