Philippine Embassy Marks 127th Independence Day, Highlights Deepening PH-Japan Ties

TOKYO – Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano hosted a diplomatic reception on June 12 at the Imperial Hotel to celebrate the 127th anniversary of Philippine independence and highlight the strengthening partnership between the Philippines and Japan.

“We honor that defining moment in 1898 when our forebears courageously declared our nation’s sovereignty,” Garcia-Albano said. She called the occasion a reminder of Filipino sacrifices and a celebration of shared values such as freedom, democracy and a rules-based international order that unite the Philippines and Japan.

The envoy described 2025 as a “golden age” of bilateral relations, noting a series of high-level Japanese visits to the Philippines in recent months, including Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and Defense Minister Gen Nakatani.

Japan remains a vital economic partner, supporting infrastructure and socio-economic development, especially in Mindanao, the ambassador said.

In his congratulatory message, Iwaya called 2025 a historic year for bilateral relations and said the visits have “further deepened the trust between our two countries and strengthened our strategic partnership in a wide range of areas.”

Nakatani highlighted the recent completion of domestic procedures for the Reciprocal Access Agreement, which will enhance security cooperation between the two countries.

Garcia-Albano also praised the more than 340,000 Filipinos living in Japan, calling the community a “living bridge” between the two nations.

A highlight of the event was the “Philippines at the World Expo Osaka 2025” exhibit, showcasing the national pavilion’s woven facade design symbolizing unity and diversity.

Musical performances by pianist Kate Henry, violinist Jimmy Tagala Jr. and vocalists Beverly and Ronald Allan Bautista added to the evening’s cultural atmosphere.

Guests enjoyed a display of Philippine fruits by the Agricultural Attaché’s office, featuring mangoes, bananas and pineapples, which were also given as gifts.

The Philippine Trade and Investment Center showcased Filipino-made products, including jewelry, bags and a curated exhibit by luxury watchmaker Ibarra Watches.

Attendees received pouches made of T’nalak, a traditional handwoven fabric by T’boli women from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, symbolizing the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage and sustainability.

Key Japanese officials present included Hiroshi Moriyama, secretary-general of the Liberal Democratic Party and chairman of the Japan-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship League.

The celebration also anticipates the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations normalization between the two countries next year.

Garcia-Albano expressed gratitude to the Japanese government and people for their friendship and support.

“We look forward to continuing this journey together, building a future that is even more inspiring and meaningful,” the envoy said. - Florenda Corpuz

(Photo courtesy of Philippine Embassy, Tokyo: Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano (center), Foreign Affairs Minister Takeshi Iwaya (left), and Defense Minister Gen Nakatani (right) led the commemoration of the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 12, 2025 in Tokyo, Japan.)