Japan honors ex-DOTr chief Bautista for lifetime of building bridges
Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo honored former Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista at a special reception, recognizing his role in shaping modern Philippine transport and strengthening ties with Japan after he received one of Japan’s highest awards for foreign nationals.
Held on February 9 at the Ambassador’s residence, the gathering marked Bautista’s receipt of The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, part of the 2025 Autumn Conferment of Decorations, in recognition of his contributions to advancing cooperation between Japan and the Philippines across critical sectors.
Around 50 guests attended the reception, including Bautista’s family, senior government officials such as Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan and Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, business leaders, and representatives of Japanese firms.
In his remarks, Ambassador Endo paid tribute to Bautista’s years of service and leadership, describing him as “the gentleman in its real sense, disciplined, extremely kind and gentle, always filled with smiles,” and noting that his “many years of dedicated service and outstanding leadership make him eminently deserving of this prestigious award.”
More than a ceremonial recognition, the award highlighted Bautista’s role in strengthening Japan-Philippines cooperation in three key areas that have reshaped the country’s connectivity and security landscape: railways, maritime safety, and aviation.
Driving rail modernization
Endo credited Bautista’s leadership at the Department of Transportation from 2022 to 2025 with pushing forward major railway projects backed by Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), including the Manila Metro Rail Transit and the North–South Commuter Railway.
“As Secretary of Transportation, he provided steady and thoughtful leadership in advancing major railway initiatives,” the ambassador said. “Under his stewardship, largescale projects such as the Manila Metro Rail Transit and the North-South Commuter Railway moved forward through effective use of Japan’s Official Development Assistance.”
Endo noted that Bautista tackled one of the most persistent barriers to infrastructure development—land acquisition—by setting up an inter-agency coordination committee and streamlining procedures. These reforms, he said, accelerated project implementation and contributed significantly to national economic development.
Strengthening maritime security
Beyond rail, Bautista also helped deepen cooperation in maritime safety at a time of heightened tensions in regional waters.
“Through projects to enhance the capacity of the Philippine Coast Guard, Secretary Bautista facilitated the provision of multi-role response vessels through ODA and ensured the timely and smooth conclusion of related agreements,” Endo said.
He added that these efforts took on broader strategic importance.
“At a time of rising tensions in the South China Sea / the West Philippine Sea, his efforts underscored the importance of deepening Japan-Philippines cooperation in upholding a free and open international order based on the rule of law,” he said, noting that this work strengthened trust and confidence between the two nations.
Building bridges in the skies
Aviation, however, is where Bautista’s influence spans decades.
Even before joining government, Bautista led Philippine Airlines as president and CEO, steering the company through a major turnaround that culminated in its recognition as the “World’s Most Improved Airline” in 2018. During that period, he actively fostered partnerships with Japan’s All Nippon Airways.
“New routes between Haneda and Manila, expanded codeshare agreements, and strengthened capital alliances all contributed to deeper connectivity and closer ties between Japan and the Philippines,” Endo said.
As Transportation Secretary, Bautista continued to champion reforms in aviation, including the redevelopment and privatization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The initiative, realized in 2024, is expected to improve operational efficiency and significantly increase passenger capacity—an important step in supporting the growing number of Filipino travelers to Japan.
“In fact, we welcomed so many Filipino friends last Christmas and New Year holiday season,” the ambassador added, pointing to the strengthening people-to-people exchanges made possible by improved air connectivity.
A legacy across rails, seas, and skies
Taken together, Endo said Bautista’s work across transport infrastructure and security sectors has had a lasting impact on bilateral relations.
“Taken together, Secretary Bautista’s contributions to Japan-Philippines relations—across railways, maritime safety, and aviation—have profoundly advanced the friendship, development, and mutual trust between our two nations,” he said. “His work has improved the lives of our peoples while contributing to regional peace and stability, making him truly deserving of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star.”
The recognition comes as Japan and the Philippines mark the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations in 2026, celebrated under the theme “Weaving the Future Together: Peace, Prosperity, Possibilities.”
“As we reflect on seventy years of shared history, we take great pride in leaders like Secretary Bautista,” Endo said. “Moving forward, Japan and the Philippines will surely continue to add new threads to this enduring fabric and weave the future together.”
Closing his remarks, the ambassador expressed his personal appreciation: “Maraming salamat po sa iyong mahabang taon ng walang humpay na paglilingkod! Mabuhay ang pagkakaibigan ng Japan at Pilipinas!”
For Bautista, the award marks both a recognition of past achievements and a symbol of a partnership that continues to shape the Philippines’ transport landscape—one railway, one vessel, and one runway at a time.
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