TAKEO FUKUDA

THE PHILIPPINES-JAPAN SOCIETY, INC.
by unanimous resolution of its Board of Directors
hereby confers upon

The Honorable TAKEO FUKUDA

The Medal for Outstanding Achievement in
the Promotion of Philippines-Japan Relations

in recognition of his exemplary efforts in the pursuit of
the paramount objective of this Society and of his countless
contributions to the growth of unity among the peoples of Asia.

 

No other statesman of Japan today can better personify Asian solidarity and cooperation than The Honorable TAKEO FUKUDA. Indeed, both as a tremendous success in stabilizing international social and economic order and fostering peace and harmony in Asia.

As Minister of Finance, he actively involved himself in various international forums on world Finance, economics and cooperation. His membership in the Japanese Diet has brought about many policies conducive to more effective cooperation between Japan and her neighbors in Asia and the rest of the world. When he was later elected Prime Minister, he announced a message of friendship to all the world and his dream for a harmonious and prosperous Asia, thereafter proceeding energetically to pursue these goals as befitted the leader of one of the most powerful nations in the region. Even as a private individual, he has steadfastly espoused and endeavors for the enhancement of harmonious relations in Asia and the rest of the world.

Born in Gunma Prefecture in 1905, he began his brilliant public career shortly after he graduated from the Faculty of Law of the Tokyo Imperial University in 1929. He was appointed to various public executive positions before he entered the field of politics some twenty years later when he was elected to the House of Representatives in 1952. An eminent legislator, he has deservedly retained his membership in the Parliament, having served to date no less than nine terms in the House of Representatives.

Mr. Fukuda has occupied a total of six Cabinet posts, among them Minister of Finance for three terms during the period from 1965 to 1974, and is today acknowledged as a “master of economic affairs” who distinguished himself in galvanizing the progress of the Japanese economy to its present enviable position.

It is particularly noteworthy that, as Finance Minister, Mr. Fukuda was instrumental in the early and successful conclusion of the negotiations for the Philippines-Japan Friendship Highway Project. He was also responsible for the very first syndicated loan granted by private commercial banks of Japan to the Central Bank of the Philippines, at a time when our country’s foreign currency reserves were low, as well as for several other developmental loans. More than mere contributions to the economic progress of the Philippines, these achievements symbolize the lasting friendship between the peoples of the Philippines and Japan, a friendship based on the conviction of men like Mr. Fukuda that no nation can live in isolation from, but must cultivate greater understanding and cooperation with, the rest of the world.

When he was elected Prime Minister in 1976, he immediately pursued a program for universal peace and harmony, declaring that the goal Japan shares with her neighbors is an “Asia at peace with itself and the world, and increasingly capable of meeting the material and social need so of its diverse peoples.” Toward this end, he adopted and implemented his now-famous heart-to-heart policy, better known as the “Fukuda Doctrine” — a policy of cooperation and friendship between Japan and other countries which has been most heartily continued by his successors and warmly welcomed all over Asia.

It is also worth mentioning that as Minister of Finance, he initiated in 1974 the Tsudoi in Tokyo, an undertaking which entails happy reunions in the capital city of Japan of former Japan alumni. He also organized in 1977 what is known as the PAFSAS, a group of members of the Japanese Diet, which has for its primary objective the maintenance and promotion of friendship among Japanese alumni in Southeast Asia. The first Japanese to be conferred an honorary membership by the Asean Council of Japan Alumni, Mr. Fukuda has been giving his full support to the ASCOJA. Only recently, he initiated the establishment of the Japan Solidarity Committee for Asian Alumni, or JASCAA, on organization intended to intensify Japanese efforts toward increasing friendship and goodwill among the students in Asia who have received academic and technological education in Japan.

More than anything else, all his distinctive successes are enduring testimonials to the commitment of the Honorable TAKEO FUKUDA to friendship and cooperation in the world as an eminent statesman and leader of the Japanese nation, as an Asian, and in particular as a friend of the Filipino people .

It is fitting therefore that he be conferred the highest award of this Society, which is hereby wholeheartedly offered to him as a token of appreciation and accolade for his invaluable leadership and endeavors as above described, and especially in the promotion of lasting amity between the Philippines and Japan.

Done in Makati, Metro Manila, on this 16th day of January 1982 and on the tenth year of this Society.

 

 

JOSE S. LAUREL III
Chairman of the Board

 

 

BENJAMIN F. SANVICTORES                                                             VICTOR  A. LIM
Executive Director                                                                               Executive Director