Ex-Defense chief to get Japanese recognition

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2022): Ex-Defense chief to get Japanese recognition (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

Former Defense Sec. Voltaire Gazmin

The Japanese government is set to confer an imperial award on former Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin for boosting the ties between Tokyo and Manila when he served from 2010 to 2016.

The Japanese Embassy in Manila will confer the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star on Gazmin in a ceremony to be hosted by Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa on May 6.

The embassy said Gazmin's initiative to sign the Memorandum on Defense Cooperation and Exchanges between the Ministry of Defense of Japan and the Department of National Defense (DND) in 2015 as well as the agreement concerning the transfer of defense equipment and technology in 2016 had promoted close relations between the two countries on national defense.

In addition, these "contributed to strengthening Japan and Philippines defense capabilities and improvement of security environment in the region."

"Japan highly valued his effort to support the peace and stability of the Asia Pacific and other regions. The government of Japan extends its sincere congratulations to Lieutenant General Voltaire T. Gazmin (Ret.), and hopes that commends his active role in strengthening the close relationship between our two countries," it said.

The awarding, to be held in Makati City, will be graced by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the embassy said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173620