Read this in The Manila Times digital edition.
FORMER president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed Proclamation 905, declaring 2006 as Philippines-Japan Friendship Year. The enduring friendship between the Philippines and Japan was based on similar aspirations for liberty, justice and democratic values. The Philippines and Japan have been bound by a common vision of the future and have had close historical ties. Both countries have enjoyed a strong, vibrant relationship in trade, business, investment and tourism.
2006 was the most fitting time to celebrate and commemorate the diplomatic relations of the Philippines and Japan with the ratification of the Peace Treaty and Reparations Agreement on July 23, 1956.
Consequently, July 23, 2006 was declared as Philippines-Japan Friendship Day by virtue of Proclamation 854.
