3 Pinoys get Japanese gov’t recognition

MANILA, Philippines — Three Filipinos are to be recognized by the Japanese government for their service and contribution to Philippine-Japanese relations.

The Japanese embassy in Manila yesterday announced the conferment of the Order of the Rising Sun (Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon) to Yazaki-Torres Corp. chairman Feliciano Torres, Order of the Rising Sun (Gold Rays with Rosette) to retired judge Antonina Oshita Escovilla and Order of the Sacred Treasure (Silver Rays) to retired embassy staff Manolito Salapare.

Torres will be conferred with the third-class decoration in recognition of his contribution to strengthening economic relations between Japan and the Philippines.

According to the embassy, Torres and his family have made valuable contributions to Japan’s economy and automobile industry since the founding of Yazaki-Torres in 1974.

“At work, he endeavors to teach his staff the Japanese way of discipline and courtesy and the importance of quality and maintaining good relationships. He was struck by these points when he stayed in Japan and has been doing his best to impart these values to his employees,” said the embassy.

“In addition, he helped lead and represent the position of the automobile industry of the Philippines during the crafting and development of the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, which faced serious challenges during negotiation,” it added.

Meanwhile, Escovilla, a second-generation Japanese descendant, will receive the fourth-class decoration for her contribution to the improvement of the status of Japanese descendants in the Philippines and to the promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and the Philippines.

Escovilla serves as president of Philippine Nikkeijin Kai, an organization assisting persecuted Japanese-descended Filipinos.

“While caring for the needs of the members, she investigated the ownership rights of the land possessed by Japanese ancestors and traced the roots of Japanese forefathers (for the recognition of Japanese nationality),” said the embassy.

“She also exerted efforts in improving the educational environment for children of Japanese descent, helped establish the identity of Japanese descendants and contributed to uplifting their status. Since 2011, as the president of the organization, she has continued to extend support to a huge number of Japanese descendants and has garnered the deep trust not only of Japanese descendants but also many other Filipinos,” it added.

Salapare will receive the sixth-class decoration in recognition of his dedicated long years of service to the embassy.

According to Japan’s Cabinet Office in charge of awards and decorations, the orders “are bestowed upon individuals of merit, in recognition of their national or public services and in honor of their distinguished accomplishments in various areas of society.”