VICENTE T. PATERNO

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

The Honorable VICENTE T. PATERNO

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

As Honorary member of this Society since 1974, he has himself lent it honor with his many outstanding achievements, in public office and as a private individual, in the enhancement of the welfare of his country.

As Chairman of the Philippine Economic Mission to Japan in 1972, he paved the way for the way for the establishment of the Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Joint Committee, which now meets regularly for the discussion of the economic problems of the two countries in the enrichment of their common interests.

As Chairman of the Board of Investments, Minister of Industry, Minister of Public Highways, Chairman of various administrative bodies like the Iron and Steel Authority, the Committee for the Copper Industry, and as Member of the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of the Philippines, Member of the Board of the National Economic Development Authority, the Development Bank of the Philippines, and the Philippine National Bank, among other offices, he ably demonstrated his noble commitment to work for the continued growth of harmonious global relations through the establishment of effective economic dialogues with Japan and the rest of the International community, and was particularly instrumental in the organization of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines.

Even now, as a member of the Interim Batasang Pambansa, he remains committed to the ideal of international cooperation for the attainment of national objectives.

Fittingly, many awards and citations have been conferred upon him: among others, for outstanding contributions in the socio-economic development of the country, by the Philippine Chamber of Industries in 1973; for government service, by the De La Salle Alumni University Association in 1976; for professional achievement in engineering, by the U.P. Alumni Association in 1977; Doctorate in Humane Letters by the Ateneo de Manila University in 1982 and in the same year, in recognition of his efforts to foster Philippine-Japanese friendship based on equality, reciprocity and mutual respect, he was conferred the First Class Order of the Sacred Treasure of Japan.

But his most meaningful accomplishment is the impetus he has given to the growth of foreign investments in the Philippines as an instrument of economic growth and international friendship. By his competence, integrity and dedication to duty, especially during his tenure as Chairman of the Board of Investments, he was able to foster a truly rational relationship between the Philippines and foreign investors and thus vastly strengthened the ties of the Philippines with Japan, as its principal trading partner, as well as with the other Asian countries and the rest of the world.

For these outstanding achievements in an impressive career dedicated to the welfare of his country and the cause of peace and friendship among nations, the Honorable VICENTE T. PATERNO deserves no less than the highest award within the gift of this Society.

DONE in Makati, Metro Manila, this 17th day of January 1983, and the tenth year of the Philippines-Japan Society.

 

JOSE S. LAUREL III
Chairman of the Board

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