Japanese gov’t cites Angara, Alcantara

MANILA, Philippines - The Japanese government conferred yesterday on Sen. Edgardo Angara and former trade and industry undersecretary Tomas Alcantara the Order of the Rising Sun.

The Japanese embassy said they were given the honor for their contributions in promoting friendly relations and for developing economic cooperation between the Philippines and Japan,

“On April 29, 2013, the Government of Japan announced the conferment of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun on Mr. Edgardo J. Angara, Senator of the Republic of the Philippines,” the embassy said in a statement.

“As a senator, Angara has dedicated himself to nurturing the Philippines-Japan Parliamentarians Association (PJPA).”

Alcantara, also former chairman of the Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee (PHILJEC), was conferred the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon.

Japan said Alcantara played a remarkable role as chairman of the PHILJEC from 2008-2011.

Under his chairmanship, the Joint Meeting between the PHILJEC and JPECC (Japan-Philippines Economic Cooperation Committee) had successfully been conducted.

It served as an important venue for high-rank officials and businessmen from both countries to exchange views and information, and monitor the progress made under the economic cooperation