Amb. Lopez with JCCI chairman Okamura and JPECC chairman TsujiAmbassador Manuel M. Lopez personally expressed his gratitude to Tadashi Okamura, Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) chairman and Toshiba advisor; and Tohru Tsuji, Japan-Philippines Economic Cooperation Committee (JPECC) chair and Marubeni Corporation senior corporate advisor, for their active participation in the conduct of key business- related activities during the official visit of Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III to Japan.

Citing the huge turnout of Japanese businessmen who attended the events and the 140 delegates from the Philippines, most of whom were owners or CEOs of their companies, Amb. Lopez said that he foresees the further strengthening of trade and investment between the Philippines and Japan, especially with improvements in infrastructure and the power sector.

The JCCI has more than a million members in Japan and covers more than 500 chambers in the country. In the Philippines, the JCCI has 550 Japanese company- members, 30% of which represent small- and mediumscale enterprises.

The JPECC helps promote business cooperation between the Philippines and Japan through various activities. The group is expected to visit Manila in February 2012 for its annual meeting.

In a separate occasion, Amb. Lopez commended the winners of the 2011 Bagong Bayani Award for Community and Social Service chosen by the Bagong Bayani Foundation in Manila.

Caregivers Gemma Juanay, Juliet Tobay, Sandra Otacan and Mercedes Joie Aquino, despite imminent danger and risk of nuclear radiation in Fukushima, remained at their jobs and continued to provide care and companionship to their Japanese elderly patients.

The Bagong Bayani Award is a national search for outstanding and exemplary overseas Filipino workers. Pres. Aq uino is expected to give the award to the four Filipino caregivers at Malacañang Palace this December.

Photo Caption: Amb. Lopez with JCCI chairman Okamura and JPECC chairman Tsuji