JPEPA Batch 16 Completes Preparatory Japanese Language Training
May 24, 2024
The 16th Preparatory Japanese-Language Training for the Filipino Candidates Nurses and Certified Care Workers under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) program concluded in a virtual closing ceremony on May 24, 2024, Friday. After the 6-month program beginning on November 8, 2023, the 16th batch trainees with a total of 222 candidates, consisting of 209 care workers and 13 nurses, successfully completed their pre-departure Nihongo training.
The virtual closing ceremony began with the singing of the national anthems of the Philippines and Japan, followed by an opening remark by Mr. SUZUKI Tsutomu “Ben”, Director of The Japan Foundation, Manila. During his remarks, he extended his congratulations to the candidates and commended their efforts in overcoming the challenges of the hybrid learning set-up. He also expressed his deep appreciation for the diligent lecturers and staff workers who are significant to the success of the program.
As his remarks came to an end, Mr. Suzuki reminded that each one of the candidates is a citizen diplomat who must contribute to fostering mutual understanding and goodwill between the Philippines and Japan.
Mr. Suzuki’s remark was followed by the messages from Honorable Guests in attendance. The first to extend his regards was Ambassador ENDO Kazuya, the Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines. He acknowledged that Nihongo may be intimidating to learn because of its 3 language systems, therefore the efforts of the candidates as they completed their 6-month training are truly commendable. In line with this, Amb. Endo expressed his appreciation to the candidates for choosing Japan as their job destination.
In his words: “I can truly say that my nation is fortunate to be able to experience the professionalism and tenderness of Filipino healthcare workers.”
Mr. Levinson C. Alcantara, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers, then proceeded with a short yet encouraging speech. He was amazed by the efforts that the candidates put into their 6-month rigorous language training and that Filipinos should showcase their innate hospitality and diligence, which will only strengthen the claims of Filipinos being the best healthcare providers in the world. Mr. Alcantara also adds: “I think that the level of people-to-people exchange is what makes our relationship with the country of Japan and its people very, very special.”
Mr. Philip B. Sanvictores, President of the Nihongo Center Foundation, Inc., also took his moment to address the candidates with utmost sincerity. He reminded them how blessed they were as they belonged to the fortunate Filipinos who were granted the opportunity to study Nihongo in preparation for their employment in Japan. He also encouraged them to pay forward the blessings to their future patients. Mr. Sanvictores ended his speech by wishing them well on their journey in Japan.
Following the heartfelt speech of Mr. Sanvictores was Mr. KATAOKA Yoshikazu, the Managing-Director of Japan International Corporation of Welfare Services (JICWELS). He showed his sincere gratitude to Filipinos who are choosing to extend their services to Japan and other nations. With a promise, Mr. Yoshikazu emphasized that the government and healthcare facilities in Japan are anticipating the arrival of our Filipino nurses and care workers. He also added that JICWELS always has its doors open should Filipinos have concerns once they are in Japan.
After the motivating speeches from the honorable guests, the Awarding of Certificates began, headed by Mr. SUZUKI Ben. The soft copies of the certificates will be sent to the 222 candidates in recognition of their hard work and effort to complete the program.
Ms. Mary Grace Garcia from Kabuki class and the representative of the candidates subsequently took the floor to deliver an inspiring message. Ms. Garcia said that she once promised to return to Japan as a nurse and after completing the 6-month training under the JPEPA program, that dream is now a few steps away from turning into reality. With that, she encouraged her fellow candidates to not give up on their dreams.
Just before the curtains closed for the ceremony, the lecturers from The Japan Foundation and Nihongo Center Foundation sent encouragement and well-wishes for the candidates, words that they will carry with them in Japan as they enter a new phase in their careers.
The 222 candidates will undergo another 6-month intensive Nihongo training program in Japan before they get deployed to their respective hospitals and caregiving facilities.
Recent Comments