Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya recently paid a courtesy call to Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte.
This meeting marks their second official engagement, following their initial dialogue in January 2025, further solidifying the enduring bond between Japan and Davao City.
Kazuya was accompanied by the Consul General of Japan in Davao, Ono Hirotaka, and officers from the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. Representing the City Government of Davao were Councilors Rachel Zozobrado, Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, and Ragde Ibuyan, alongside the Officer-in-Charge of the Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC) April Marie Dayap.
“Davao City remains a cornerstone of the Japan-Philippines relationship.”
The ambassador highlighted that Davao City remains a cornerstone of the Japan-Philippines relationship, especially as both nations celebrate a landmark 70 years of friendship.
He expressed his profound gratitude for the deepening ties between Japan and Davao over the years, noting that the partnership has expanded significantly in scope and impact.
As a testament to this enduring bond, Kazuya formally invited Duterte to participate in the upcoming activities commemorating the 70th anniversary of Japan-Philippines friendship. A specialized set of activities is planned for Davao City, with further details to be announced by the Embassy and the Consulate of Japan in Davao.
A central point of the discussion was the progress of the Waste-to-Energy (WTE) initiative, with both leaders expressing hope for its swift completion and successful fruition. Duterte took the opportunity to recall the transformative impact of past Japanese-led infrastructure projects, such as the Davao City Bypass Road, which have been instrumental in the city’s urban development.
“I will encourage other Japanese cities to explore partnerships with Davao.”
The ambassador also expressed his desire to encourage other Japanese cities to explore partnerships with Davao, aiming to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, culture, and technology.
This visit reaffirms a shared vision for a future defined by sustainable infrastructure and mutual growth, ensuring that the Japan-Davao friendship remains a symbol of international cooperation for decades to come.
