Purisima honored with Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun

By Andrea B. Ramos

Former Finance and Trade and Industry Secretary Cesar V. Purisima was conferred the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan in recognition of his significant contributions to strengthening Japan-Philippines relations.

The conferment ceremony was held at the official residence of Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya, who highlighted Purisima’s long-standing role in advancing economic cooperation and mutual understanding between the two countries.

In his remarks, Endo described Purisima as a humble and approachable person with a fondness for Japanese cuisine, but emphasized that his relationship with Japan went far beyond personal interests.

“Over the years, he has been a tireless supporter of closer Japan-Philippines relations, helping build bridges of cooperation, trust, and mutual understanding between our two countries. His contributions have left a lasting impact on our partnership,” Endo said.

As Secretary of Finance, Purisima supported reforms that opened the Philippine financial sector further to foreign banks, including Japanese financial institutions. The reforms helped pave the way for greater participation by foreign banks in the Philippine market.

Purisima also played a key role in fiscal reforms as chairman of the Cabinet’s Economic Development Cluster, supporting measures to strengthen public finances, expand infrastructure development, and encourage public-private partnerships.

Under his watch, the Philippines achieved its first investment-grade sovereign credit ratings from major international agencies, a milestone that helped strengthen investor confidence in the country.

Endo also cited Purisima’s active promotion of Japanese investments in the Philippines. Through economic summits, investment roadshows, and official and state visits to Japan, Purisima highlighted the country’s improving economic performance, investment-grade status, and market potential.

His efforts also contributed to securing Japanese assistance for major infrastructure projects, including the Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project and the Davao City Bypass Construction Project.

As Secretary of Trade and Industry, Purisima was likewise involved in the negotiations that led to the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), the Philippines’ first bilateral free trade agreement.

“Since its entry into force, JPEPA has expanded market access, promoted investment and job creation, and strengthened our supply chain,” Endo said.

For Purisima, however, Japan’s significance extends beyond trade and economic cooperation.

He described Japan as not only a neighbor and trading partner but also a friend whose support has helped reshape Philippine cities, create employment opportunities, and deepen a relationship founded on mutual respect.

“That relationship, for me, began well before the government,” Purisima said.

His connection with Japan dates back to his years at SGV & Co., where he worked with Japanese clients including Mitsubishi and Marubeni. The experience, he said, left lessons that remained with him throughout his subsequent years in government.

Purisima said the honor also carries a responsibility to continue contributing to bilateral ties.

“An honor like this looks backward, but the work it is meant to encourage looks forward. So I accept it as an invitation to keep contributing in whatever capacity I can to the ties between our two countries,” he said.

In an exclusive interview with THEPHILBIZNEWS, Purisima reaffirmed his commitment to supporting stronger economic ties between Japan and the Philippines even after his years in government.

The conferment comes as Japan and the Philippines mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year, underscoring the longstanding partnership between the two countries.

For Purisima, the recognition represents not an end to that work, but an encouragement to continue helping deepen one of the Philippines’ most important bilateral relationships.