THE new Philippine ambassador to the Philippines, Toshinao Urabe is a “Manila” boy of sorts. Urabe, who flew in from Tokyo last night, revealed that he spent his kindergarten years in the Abad Santos Elementary School in Tondo, Manila.

This was his way of saying how close the Philippines is to his heart.

Upon arrival, he thanked the Philippines and its people for the warm sympathies and support they extended to his country in the aftermath of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

Urabe vowed to pursue the strategic partnership between the two countries.

He said Japan’s commitment to assist in the economic and social development of the Philippines remained constant.

Japan is the largest donor of official development assistance to the Philippines and the 61-year-old envoy said the signing of the Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement three years ago enhanced trade and investment relations between the two countries.

“Our political dialogue is also intensifying, and Japan is trying hard to help facilitate the peace process in Mindanao,” he said.

“My mission is to develop this strategic partnership,” Urabe said, adding that he was extremely lucky to have been chosen as his country’s ambassador to Manila.

Urabe replaced Makoto Katsura, who served for more than three years in Manila.