The 15th Preparatory Japanese-Language Training for the Filipino Candidates Nurses and Certified Care Workers under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) program began last 16th of November 2022 with the opening ceremony held online. 

Mr. Tsutomu “Ben” Suzuki, the Director of Japan Foundation Manila, led the Opening Remarks of the said event. 

This was followed by a video message by the Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers, Sec. Maria Susana V. Ople and the in-person messages from the Undersecretary for Welfare and Foreign Employment in the Department of Migrant Workers, Atty. Hans Leo J. Cacdac; the Minister of Economic Affairs from the Embassy of Japan, Hon. Daisuke Nihei and the President of the Nihongo Center Foundation, Mr. Philip B. Sanvictores. 

Atty. Cacdac’s speech inspires the candidates to do their best as they continue their journey and career in Japan. “Walang kasing tindi ng kombinasyon ng utak at puso na tatalo pa sa ‘World-Class human care talents and skills ng Pilipino’ at kayo po ang may dala nyan. Kayo po ang may katangian na bukod tangi sa lahat. Nakita po namin yan. Ako po ay magdadalawang taon na po sa serbisyo sa mga OFWs at sa araw-araw na ginawa ng Diyos, nakita ko po na walang tatalo sa atin.” 

“Rest assured that the Japanese government will always ensure your welfare and remain steadfast in our commitment to continue this program. I would wish our candidates good health and loads of strength to complete their training with flying colors. I’m looking forward to seeing you again after 6 months with the same eagerness, and same motivation, and same smiles that I see in you today,” Hon. Daisuke Nihei assured the candidates.

Mr. Philip B. Sanvictores, President of Nihongo Center Foundation, emphasized  the importance of being earnest in learning Japanese to the candidates. He advised, “I urge you to allocate extra time to finish your assignments, thoroughly review your lessons, revisit class materials, memorize, practice, and repeat the hearing, reading and writing exercises…. Self-study is an all-important technique in learning Nihongo… As your fluency in Nihongo accelerates, you will learn about and flow with Japanese society. Its culture and history will become more understandable. You will develop many, true friendships with the Japanese people. And Nihongo will be key to a fulfilling and productive stay in Japan.” 

The representative of the candidates, Ms. Ma. Jonine Theresa Boron, also gave a speech after the honorable guests’ messages. She said, “Studying Nihongo is fun also, even though it is a little bit hard sometimes. If you feel pressured or giving up, just think of why you all started. Mina-san (Everyone), let’s do our very best. Mina-san ganbarimashou (Let’s do our best, everyone)”

This batch has 264 candidates who, after six months of an intensive preparatory program of the Japanese language and culture in the Philippines — will then continue for another six months upon their arrival in Japan, before they are assigned to their respective hospitals and caregiving institutions where they will be able to use their gained knowledge to carry out their duties not only as healthcare workers but also as representatives of Filipinos in Japan.

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Speech of Mr. Philip B. Sanvictores