Malacañang sends condolences for passing of ex-UN refugee chief Sadako Ogata

Sadako Ogata, former United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and former President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). AFP

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang has expressed its condolences to the family and loved ones of former United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Sadako Ogata, remembering her “remarkable and extraordinary service” to the people including the Filipinos.

Ogata, the first female UN refugee chief and former president of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), reportedly passed away Tuesday. She was 92.

“The Palace wishes to express its condolences to the family, relatives, friends and loved ones of Ms. Sadako Ogata, former President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and High Commissioner of the United Nations,” Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

Panelo said Filipinos remember Ogata, who received the Order of Sikatuna in 2013, for her “selfless contribution to our country’s positive growth in relation to, among others, its socio-economic goals, Philippine human development and security, as well as the peace and development in Mindanao.”

The Palace official also cited Ogata’s efforts as JICA President who facilitated development assistance to the county.

He said Ogata set JICA in motion to serve as “a vehicle for Japan to generously impart its services to our nation, especially in terms of humanitarian assistance when our country is troubled by disasters.”

“The remarkable and extraordinary service of Ms. Ogata, together with the time and effort she has devoted to stengthen the diplomatic relations of the Philippines and Japan, will always be remembered given the beneficial and enduring consequences of her endeavors for our country,” Panelo said.

“We, therefore, pray that she may be granted eternal repose as she rests in peace,” he added.