Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya hosted a reception last August 10 in honor of former secretary of the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Cesar V. 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.
His office as Trade secretary from 2003 to 2005 played a significant role in 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.
Guests at reception hosted by Japan Ambassador Endo Kazuya
During the ceremony presenting the medal and certificate, Ambassador Endo lauded Mr. Purisima for his steadfast contributions to strengthening the economic partnership between Japan and the Philippines. Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan also delivered congratulatory remarks and led the toast.
The reception was attended by prominent guests from the Philippine government, business community, and Japanese organizations. Among them were former Senate President Franklin M. Drilon, Office of the President of the Philippines (OP) deputy executive secretary Danielle Marie Rieza-Culangen, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr., Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) national treasurer Sharon Almanza, and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chairperson Francis E. Lim.
Also present were business executives such as Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) chairman Jose T. Pardo, Jollibee Foods Corporation CEO Tony Tan Caktiong, JG Summit Holdings president Lance Y. Gokongwei, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) president Jose K. Limcaoco, SM Investments chairman Amando Tetangco, Jr., and Ayala Corporation president Cezar P. Consing.
