People mourn Philippine diplomat in Tokyo

A memorial ceremony for former Philippine Ambassador to Japan Domingo Siazon has been held at the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo.

Siazon is known as a career diplomat who had a deep knowledge of Japan and a wide range of personal relationships with Japanese people. He contributed greatly to the development of good relations between the 2 countries.

Siazon died in Tokyo on May 3rd. He was 76 years old.

Siazon was from Appari, northern Luzon. After studying at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies as a Japanese government-sponsored student, Siazon entered the Philippines’ foreign ministry. He served as the foreign secretary of the Ramos and Estrada administrations.

Siazon was Philippine ambassador to Japan from 1993 to 1995, and was reappointed to the diplomatic post during the Arroyo administration in 2001.

During his second term as ambassador, Siazon made efforts to conclude an economic partnership agreement between Japan and the Philippines. It allows the people of the Philippines to work as nurses and professional caregivers.

At the ceremony on Thursday, about 200 people, including government officials of both countries, attended. They offered flowers in front of Siazon’s portrait.

A 65-year-old Japanese man said that he stayed in the Philippines for 8 years on business, he cannot forget that Siazon often talked about the cherry blossoms in Japan.
He said Siazon was an openhearted man who knew a lot about Japan. He added he wanted Siazon to contribute more, and it was very sad he died.

The man said the good bilateral relationship that Siazon strongly shaped will continue after a new president is inaugurated in the Philippines.