DAVAO CITY – Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Endo Kazuya reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to its long-standing partnership with Davao City during a courtesy visit to Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte at City Hall on January 28. Accompanied by his wife Mme. Endo Akiko and embassy officials, the Ambassador highlighted key areas of cooperation, including infrastructure development, economic collaboration, and cultural ties.
Ambassador Endo emphasized Japan’s strong investment in Davao’s infrastructure growth, citing major projects such as the Davao Bypass Construction, the Metro Davao Master Plan, and the Waste-to-Energy Project. These initiatives, backed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), aim to enhance connectivity, urban planning, and environmental sustainability in the city.
The Ambassador also acknowledged Davao City’s historical ties with Japan, dating back more than 120 years when Japanese settlers migrated to the region for abaca production. He expressed gratitude for the local government’s continuous support of the Japanese business community and the Nikkei Jin (Japanese descendants).
“Davao City is an ideal place to start my service this year, as it represents the deep-rooted friendship between Japan and the Philippines,” Endo said. “The strong historical connection and existing partnerships between Japan and Davao make it an important hub for collaboration.”
Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte welcomed the partnership, acknowledging Japan’s exemplary infrastructure and socio-economic development as a model for Davao City.
“We would like to emulate the positive aspects of Japan, particularly its discipline and structured development. Dabawenyos can learn a lot from the Japanese people,” Duterte said.
The mayor also discussed Davao City’s DCplinado program, which instills discipline among students, reflecting a key trait observed in Japan’s successful societies.
Duterte highlighted the city’s rapid growth, underscoring the importance of infrastructure expansion. The Davao Bypass Tunnel, a major Japan-backed project, is seen as a vital solution to ease congestion and accommodate the increasing number of people coming into the city.
“We are excited about the bypass tunnel project. As Davao grows, we need more roads, and we are happy to have this collaboration with Japan. We look forward to further partnerships with JICA in the coming years,” he added.
Beyond infrastructure, Duterte expressed interest in expanding collaborations in education and agriculture, two sectors where Japan has excelled in innovation and sustainable practices.
Ambassador Endo noted that Japan remains eager to enhance cooperation with Davao City, especially in fostering economic opportunities and cultural exchanges. He also acknowledged Davao’s sister city relationships with Kitakyushu, Sennan, and Hamamatsu, affirming Japan’s willingness to strengthen ties between these cities and Davao.
The courtesy visit was also attended by Vice Mayor Atty. J. Melchor Quitain Jr., Councilors Al Ryan Alejandre and Myrna G. Dalodo-Ortiz, and key city officials, alongside representatives from the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines and the Consulate General of Japan in Davao.
Ambassador Endo, who succeeded former Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko, pledged to continue advancing Japan-Philippines relations as strategic partners while also supporting trilateral cooperation with the United States. His visit reinforces Japan’s commitment to strengthening economic and diplomatic ties with Mindanao, ensuring continued support for Davao City’s growth and development.
