The City Government of Iriga marked the 70th Philippine-Japan Friendship Day today with its first-ever formal celebration of the occasion, held at the Iriga City Ceremonial Grandstand despite the rain.
The day began with a clean-up drive at the Philippine-Japan Friendship Garden, led by the Iriga City Environment and Natural Resources Office (ICENRO), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-Iriga City District Jail, and faculty and students of Cegeurra Technological College. The formal ceremony followed at the Grandstand, spearheaded by the Iriga Culture, Heritage, Arts and Tourism Office headed by Engr. Nona Vanessa M. Santiago.
In attendance were Mayor Wilfredo Rex C. Oliva, Vice Mayor Edsel S. Dimaiwat, members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, department heads, punong barangays, representatives from national agencies including the Philippine National Police (PNP), the BFP, and the BJMP-Iriga City District Jail, the University of Saint Anthony (USANT), the Iriga City Water District, and former Vice Mayor and Councilor Jose “Buboy” Villanueva.
Vice Mayor Dimaiwat opened the program with his welcome remarks, acknowledging the presence of the guests and participants and expressing his appreciation to everyone for commemorating the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Japan.
Councilor Jessie DV. Abonite Jr., Chair of the Committee on History, Culture and Arts and the Committee on Tourism and Competitiveness, spoke of the significance of the occasion, noting that Iriga City is home to the only Philippine-Japanese Friendship Garden in the country, and is among the few markers of Philippine-Japanese friendship in the Philippines.
The event also welcomed Conchita Amoroso Tanigawa, an Irigueña married to a Japanese national, who delivered a message alongside her daughter, Satuko Okuno. Tanigawa translated Okuno’s words of appreciation for the hospitality and kindness of the Filipino people.
Mayor Oliva delivered the friendship message, recalling that the Philippine-Japan Friendship Garden was established in the early 1970s under the administration of Mayor Jose C. Villanueva, alongside national and international efforts, as a living monument dedicated to peace and the transition from wartime conflict to lasting friendship between the two nations. He said the garden’s trees, paths, and landscapes reflect the same careful nurturing, respect, and mutual understanding that built the friendship between the Philippines and Japan. He added that beyond being a picturesque addition to the city, the garden serves as a center for cultural events, leisure, and local heritage, as well as a sanctuary for peace and reflection that bridges the two nations’ histories and carries their shared memories toward a harmonious and progressive future.
Following his message, Mayor Oliva formally signed a commemoration letter addressed to His Excellency Endo Kazuya, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Philippines, Embassy of
Japan. The letter conveyed the city’s appreciation for the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Japan, submitted a narrative report on the “Iriga City-Japan Friendship Commemoration Initiative,” and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to strengthening cultural diplomacy through future collaborations in tourism development, cultural exchange, and youth engagement.
The Iriga Folkloric Dance Troupe capped the celebration with cultural performances and led the crowd in a community dance set to a friendship song composed by Dandy Nagrampa of Firefly Alley.
Afterwards, guests and participants toured the Philippine-Japan Friendship Garden, taking in the very grounds where the historic partnership continues to take root.
Source: Lungsod Ng Iriga