Ambassador Endo Kazuya hosted reception honoring former Finance and Trade Secretary Cesar Purisima, recipient of The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star

On Monday, Ambassador Endo hosted a reception to congratulate Purisima on his conferment of The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, as part of the 2026 Spring Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals.

As Secretary of Trade and Industry from 2003 to 2005, his office played a significant role during the negotiation talks of the Japan–Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), the Philippines’ first bilateral free trade agreement.

During his tenure as Secretary of Finance from 2010 to 2016, he strongly supported the amendment of the Foreign Bank Liberalization Act, therefore facilitating the entry of Japanese banks into the Philippine financial market and further advancing bilateral financial cooperation.

In recognition of his distinguished contributions, the medal and certificate were presented to Purisima.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Endo lauded Purisima for his steadfast contributions to strengthening the economic partnership between Japan and the Philippines. Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan also delivered his congratulatory remarks and led the toast.

The reception was attended by distinguished guests from the Philippine government, business community, and Japanese organizations.

Among them were former Senate President Franklin Drilon, Office of the President of the Philippines Deputy Executive Secretary Danielle Marie Rieza-Culangen, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona, Jr., Bureau of the Treasury National Treasurer Sharon Almanza, and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chairperson Francis Lim.

Business executives such as Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) chairman Jose Pardo, Jollibee Foods Corporation CEO Tony Tan Caktiong, JG Summit Holdings president Lance Gokongwei, Bank of the Philippine Islands president Jose Limcaoco, SM Investments chairman Amando Tetangco, Jr., and Ayala Corporation president Cezar Consing also graced the ceremony. Japan Information and Culture Center