Steward of Japan-Philippines Defense Relations

By Richard C. Vargas

On June 30, Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Honorable Kazuhiko Koshikawa, together with his spouse Lady Yuko, stood at the gates of their official residence to welcome former and current officials of the Philippine government.

The gracious hosts were honoring Bases Conversion and Development Authority Chairman and former Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana, who was receiving the Order of the Rising Sun that night. He is one of the four Filipino recipients of Japanese decoration for its Spring Conferment this year.

The said Japanese decoration is one of the highest recognitions accorded by the Emperor of Japan to individuals who rendered exceptional accomplishments in their fields. Although established as early as April 10, 1875 by Emperor Meiji, it was only before the end of World War II that leaders in the military service were named and included in the roll of decorated individuals by Japan.

This hosting by the Embassy of Japan gave former Defense Secretary Lorenzana its highest honor with his conferment of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star by Ambassador Koshikawa. Chairman

Lorenzana was cited for his important role in enhancing defense cooperation and exchanges between the governments of Japan and the Philippines during his term as Secretary of the Philippines’ Department of National Defense from 2016 to 2022 under the administration of then President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

"The resolute dedication and hard work put in by Honorable Lorenzana in building our defense relationship warrants tantamount recognition. This decoration embodies the deepest appreciation of the Government of Japan for his exemplary leadership and progressive achievements," Ambasador Koshikawa said on behalf of Emperor Naruhito.

The recognition places Chairman Lorenzana in the same roster of esteemed Filipino public servants: former Philippine Ambassador to Japan Albert F. del Rosario, Sr., former Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia D. Albert, former Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director General Lilia

B. de Lima, former Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr., former Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin, and Filipino-American accountant and philanthropist Washington Z. Sycip.

In his acceptance speech, Chairman Lorenzana said, “I am deeply honored and humbled to accept the prestigious Japanese Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star. This recognition fills my heart with gratitude and joy, and I extend my sincerest appreciation to the Japanese government for bestowing this remarkable honor upon me.”

The former Defense Secretary also expressed his “deepest gratitude to the people and nation of Japan for their enduring support, friendship, and belief in the bilateral relations of our two countries.”

Under Lorenzana’s stewardship as defense chief, military equipment were transferred by the government of Japan to the Philippines, including the five TC90 maritime reconnaissance aircraft for the Philippine Navy, the Search and Rescue Equipment for the Philippine Army, and the Php1 billion worth UH1H or “Huey” helicopter spare parts for the Philippine Air Force.

The contract for the procurement of four Air Surveillance Radar Systems for the Philippine Air Force was also signed by him with Japanese company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in 2018. In April 2022, he was commended for his participation in the conduct of the first 2+2 Defense and Foreign Affairs ministerial meetings in Tokyo.