MANILA, Philippines — Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya said the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) has become a "bedrock" of the bilateral relations between Tokyo and Manila and helped local communities thrive and develop.

Endo made the remark on Thursday as the JOCV marked its 60th anniversary globally.

Since its launch in 1965, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) volunteer program has sent about 58,000 Japanese volunteers to 99 countries worldwide.

It deployed 12 volunteers to the Philippines in 1966 as one of the first country recipients, beginning a tradition of partnership that continues to shape communities across the country.

To date, more than 1,700 Japanese volunteers have been dispatched to the Philippines.

Endo said the JOCV program "stands as a powerful symbol of enduring friendship" between the Philippines and Japan and "human connection holds the key" to brighter ties between the two countries.

Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, president of the Philippines-Japan Parliamentary Friendship Organization, said the JICA volunteers "have been the face of Japan's untiring support and assistance over the years."

"You have left your mark on us, and we will always be grateful for your invaluable contributions," Zubiri said in a speech. "Your ambassador is doing a very good in making sure the Philippines and Japan remain good friends," he said.

Japanese volunteers to PH 'bedrock' of bilateral relations, says envoy, This news data comes from:http://hx-fwxt-vau-hixd.redcanaco.com

Economic and Planning Undersecretary Carlos Bernardo Abad Santos lauded the volunteers for their role in nation-building, noting Japan and the Philippines’ “shared purpose of helping communities thrive and building lasting friendships.”

JICA Philippines Chief Representative Baba Takashi referred to volunteers as “grassroots ambassadors."

“Working passionately with communities is our driving force behind every classroom taught in, every field tilled, every clinic supported, and every local project strengthened,” Baba said.

Globally, the JOCV program has become one of the world’s largest volunteer programs, with its work recognized in 2016 through the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award.