INTRODUCTION
It is a great honor for me to accept this honorary degree from Soka University, on behalf of my country and people.

This special recognition affirms the bonds of friendship between Japan and the Philippines and the importance each country attaches to education and the future of its youth.

We are especially honored by the presence today of the founder of Soka University, Dr. Daisaku Ikeda, who, during its establishment in 1971, envisioned an institution dedicated to developing capable and civic-spirited people with excellent judgment, a strong sense of purpose and a keen international perspective manifested by the promotion of peace for all of mankind, and a continuing exchange among educational, cultural and political leaders from around the globe.

As a fitting tribute to our commemoration of the one hundred years of Philippine independence this year, Soka University has installed a bust of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, given by the Knights of Rizal, Tokyo Chapter, in one of its great halls in the university. Its students, we hope, will be inspired by the ideals, courage and martyrdom of Dr. Rizal that contributed immensely to the freedom of the Philippines a century ago.
THE VALUE OF EDUCATION
Under the Ramos administration since 1992, we have placed education at the forefront of our concerns. We realize that education is essential for the progress of our nation, and its many millions of young people who must begin to learn how to cope with the challenges of the 21st century. We appreciate education’s liberative power, not only for the benefit of individuals but of society as a whole.

But beyond our national plans in education, we have to work towards greater international cooperation in the light of two significant developments affecting our societies and their future.

The first is the persistence of large population growth rates around the region. By the first decade of the next century, the Asia-Pacific region will account for the greater part of the world’s population. While we can look at these figures as a tremendous source of manpower, they also represent, for many, a source of anxiety. Certainly they will mean an even more intense demand for employment and social services.

The second consideration to bear in mind is the Asia-Pacific region’s reputation — challenged as it may have been by the recent currency crisis — as the key growth center of the coming century. This distinction brings many challenges, not the least of which are competition from other regions, and the ability to sustain these expectations.

These developments require that we forge deeper cooperation and partnership with each other in the region. No problem is insurmountable — not even the crisis currently afflicting many of our economies — if we work together to find and to implement mutually supportive solutions and endeavors.
THE PHILIPPINES AND JAPAN
Nowhere is the triumph of goodwill and cooperation to be more clearly seen and appreciated than in our relations with Japan and the Japanese people.

More than half a century ago, our two countries clashed in a war from which both our peoples suffered grievously. In the wake of that conflict, we pledged ourselves to promote peace and understanding, to a new relationship founded on trust, cooperation, and mutual respect.

Today, Philippine-Japan relations have never been better.

Our cooperation in the political, economic, socio-cultural and academic spheres is broader and deeper than ever before. Our ties have evolved into a mature partnership which can be intensified through greater international cooperation.

Japan now hosts about 400 Membusho (or Ministry of Education and Culture) scholars from the Philippines in masteral and doctorate programs. After they finish their courses, these students will return home imbued not only with new knowledge but also with the values of discipline and industry, for which the Japanese people are well known.

I trust that this occasion will increase the interchange of students between our two countries. Last May 1997 in Tokyo, Dr. Ikeda was conferred an honorary degree by de la salle university bringing together in closer cooperation these two prestigious educational institutions. In particular, I look forward to the departure of the first batch of Filipino students for Soka University.
CLOSING
Let me commend, once more, the efforts of Soka University at furthering educational exchanges in the Philippines. I pray that our commitment to education and the propagation of peace will never wane. Indeed the best way to peace is through education, through a greater understanding of who we are, what we share in common, and what we can achieve together.

I urge you to continue your mission to spread brotherhood and understanding in our world and to seize all opportunities for partnership and collaboration before us — towards a brighter and better world for our two peoples, and for all our neighbors in our region of Asia and the Pacific!

Thank you and mabuhay!