A Philippine eagle was named "Sakura" in honour of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who was very thankful for the gesture. An animated Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe thanked President Rodrigo Duterte after a rescued Philippine eagle was named in his honour during a simple rite here on Thursday. Braving the sweltering midmorning heat, Abe and his wife Akie received a Philippine eagle stuffed toy as it would be difficult to bring the 2-year-old bird, officially named Sakura, from its sanctuary at the Philippine Eagle Center to the ceremony held at the Waterfront Hotel. Besides the eagle doll, the President also gave a framed photo of Sakura, the Japanese word for cherry blossoms, Japan's iconic flowering tree. "Thank you," the Japanese leader told the Chief Executive, who was joined by his partner Honeylet Avanceña, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. Abe, the first head of state to visit the President's hometown, had a meeting with Duterte before the event. The Japanese Prime Minister also visited the President's modest home in Doña Luisa Subdivision in Matina District where they had breakfast of Filipino delicacies. They likewise briefly met with a group of Filipino and Japanese business leaders. Abe, who arrived here on Thursday night, wrapped up his two-day state visit with a luncheon also hosted by Duterte. The Japanese leader and his wife also tried durian, the President's favourite pungent fruit. The Boeing 747 carrying Abe and his delegation took off from Francisco Bangoy International Airport before 1 p.m.
