Amb. Manuel M. Lopez and Maritess L. Lopez with PJS officersLopez Group chairman and former ambassador to Japan Amb. Manuel M. Lopez (AMML) was awarded the Philippines-Japan Society Medal of Merit during the 38th Philippines-Japan Friendship Dinner and Awards Night on July 29, 2016.

According to its website, “the Philippines-Japan Society Medal of Merit is the highest award within the society’s gift to confer upon Filipino and Japanese nationals who have significantly contributed to nation- building in terms of the promotion of friendship, mutual benefit, mutual respect and closer, deeper, stronger relations between the two countries.”

The first Medal of Merit was awarded in 1979. It is handed out alternately to Filipino and Japanese nationals. Past awardees from the Philippines include Lilia de Lima, director general of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, former Speaker Jose Laurel Jr. and former Sen. Vicente Paterno. AMML is the 38th awardee.

AMML delivers his response