TOKYO, 26 March 2025 – The Philippine Embassy in Japan proudly recognized the achievements of two exchange cadets from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) who successfully graduated from the National Defense Academy of Japan (JNDA) last weekend.

On behalf of Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, the Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. (CDA) Christian L. De Jesus received Probationary Ensign Jhoco D. Apal of the Philippine Navy and Probationary Second Lieutenant Joshua Willie J. Ramos of the Philippine Air Force who paid a courtesy and exit call on 24 March 2025. Captain Peter G. Tolentino III PN (GSC), the Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attaché in Japan, formally presented the new graduates to CDA De Jesus, with their families and mentors in attendance.

CDA De Jesus extended the Embassy’s congratulations to the graduates, commending their perseverance in overcoming the academic, military, and cultural challenges of their training in Japan. He underscored the importance of their experience at JNDA, which provided them with a world-class education in military leadership, discipline, and physical endurance. The CDA also recognized the steadfast support of the cadets’ families and mentors, whose guidance played a crucial role in their success.

The graduation ceremony, held on 22 March 2025, was attended by high-level officials of the Japanese government, including Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, and the Chief of Staff of Japan Self-Defense Forces, General Yoshihide Yoshida.

Ambassador Garcia-Albano noted, “The successful completion of their training at JNDA is not only a personal triumph for Probationary Ensign Apal and Probationary Second Lieutenant Ramos but also a testament to the growing defense cooperation between the Philippines and Japan. Their experiences here have shaped them into resilient and capable officers, ready to serve the Armed Forces of the Philippines with honor and distinction.”

She added, “All of us at the Philippine Embassy in Japan take pride in their accomplishments and reaffirm our commitment to supporting future generations of PMA cadets in their international military education.”