DAVAO CITY (February 12) — The Japanese government opened a consular office here.
The long-dreamed opening of a consular office here was officially realized with the breaking of sake by Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Taro Kono and Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio Sunday evening, February 10.
Kono said the establishment of a consular office here will further strengthen the close ties between the Philippines and Japan.
Duterte-Carpio said “The establishment of this consulate-general office reflects how Japan hospitality is built. We thank you for your confidence placed in us.”
Japan and Davao shared emotional history, many Japanese made Davao their home even before World War II.
Until now, dozens of Japanese tourist visit Davao’s Barangay Mintal every September to pay respect to their departed beloved.
Mintal used to be called as “Little Tokyo”, where Japanese families engaged in abaca plantation. Many of their descendants still live here.
Kono said the Philippine-Japan friendship “is built upon the sacrifices of the people who came before the current generation. I believe it is up to us in the current generation to deepen the wonderful friendship. Our friendship is precious that is why Japan stands by the Philippines and Mindanao for its sustainable development.”
Duterte-Carpio expressed gratitude and praised the Japanese government as Japan establish a consular office with a full-fledged consulate-general in the city.
The Japanese government has the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai, Japanese international school and the Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku, an international college institution in Davao, to the Little Tokyo in Mintal.
Japanese imprints is very visible in the city, she said.
Duterte-Carpio recognized the close relationship between Japan and Davao which translates to socio-cultural and economic development of the city.-Editha Z Caduaya/NewsLine.ph
