NIYE Junior Program 2015 (Nov 8, 2015)

By Mrs. Bernadette Hieida, Delegation Advisor-Attendant

I always believe that EXPERIENCE is the BEST TEACHER!

Today’s generation is blessed, especially these six high school students who represented the Philippines in the NIYE Junior Program 2015.

 

We had a very busy 10-day schedule to maximize the objective of the program which is to foster future leaders of Japan and respective countries in ASEAN. The journey was not easy.   Waking up at 6am (or earlier) was a challenge everyday with an average temperature of 8°C.  Our day would usually end at 10pm. We had to think and move fast. We are grateful for all the activities prepared for us because they combined pleasure and education, with a twist of something new. I’ve been an attendant or faculty adviser of different exchange programs and the learning never ends. We expected something but our experience was extraordinary. We started with some frustrations but came back home fulfilled and better Filipinos.

 Please enjoy the journey of each student in this program by clicking on this link.


2016 EPA Nihongo Course Begins (Nov 6, 2015)

The NCF Class of 2016 of the Preparatory Nihongo Training Program for Filipino Nurse and Certified Care Worker Candidates under the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) was formally opened on November 6, 2015 at the Jose P. Laurel Memorial Hall, Philippines-Japan Friendship Center, R. Papa Street, Sampaloc, Manila.  A total of 112 students were admitted into the Program or 32% of the total 352 candidate-students.  The rest are enrolled at the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Taguig City.

This is the second year that the Nihongo Center Foundation (NCF) was tapped by the Japan Foundation Manila (JFM) to conduct the Japanese Language Training Program on its behalf for the entire 6-month course.  The first batch started in November 2015 and 89 graduates left for Japan in June this year.  Similarly, the current batch will end their language training in end-May and those who pass will leave for Japan in June 2016 for the second phase of Nihongo training before they are deployed to pre-matched hospitals and caregiving institutions in Japan. 

NCF President Philip B. Sanvictores led the opening ceremony and delivered an inspirational Message after the Opening Remarks given by Mr. Hiroaki Uesugi, Director of Japan Foundation Manila.  Director Nimfa de Guzman of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) read the Message of Atty. Hans Leo Cacdac  – Administrator.  Finally, Economic Affairs Minister Makoto Iyori of the Embassy of Japan, who had just assumed his post in Manila encouraged the student-candidates to study hard and to do their best.  Other guests who attended the opening ceremonies were First Secretary and Labor Attaché of Japan, Mr. Hiroyuki Enoki, Mr. Tetsuya Koida, Assistant Director of JFM, Mrs. Marilen Laurel-Loinaz, Treasurer and Administrator of the Philippines-Japan Friendship Foundation, Inc.

 The Head Lecturer, Professor Kenjiro Ogata was the last to address the students.  He enjoined them to concentrate on their studies as this will be the single most important tool for a successful work life in Japan that could help create a brighter future for them and their families.  Speaking mainly in English, Prof. Ogata surprised the students when he fluently spoke in straight, flawless Tagalog; he also introduced the NCF Teaching Staff for the EPA.


1Welcome Remarks of Mr. Philip B. Sanvictores, NCF President


Six Filipinos Participate in 2015 NIYE Japan Exchange Program (Oct 20-28, 2015)

NIYE 2015 Write up for PHILFEJA

The NIYE (National Institution for Youth Education) Junior Program invites students from ASEAN countries to visit Japan with the aim to deepen mutual understanding and broaden view of the youth and foster the next generation of leaders.  The Program is held annually at the start of autumn in late October.

The Program provides delegates the opportunity to learn more about Japan and its people, as well as their fellow delegates from other ASEAN countries. The students engage in various activities such as school visitation, courtesy calls on the City Mayor and some government offices, as well as a few days of “homestay” with Japanese families.

Chosen by the Philippine Federation of Japan Alumni (PHILFEJA), the six members of the Philippine Delegation to the 2015 NIYE Program are:

Name School
Alfonso A. Ballesteros (Hikki) Espiritu Santo Parochial School
Mayumi Kara M. Buot (Mayumi) South Hill School, Inc.
Stefhanelle Jeanne Marie A. Laurel (Stefhie) De La Salle Santiago Zobel School
Regina Coeli C. Legaspi (Rina) International British Academy
Joshue Markees R. Malamug (Markees) St. Mary’s College Quezon City
Nelson Matthew P. Tan (Matti) Ateneo De Manila High School

They will be attended to by Mrs. Bernadette S. Hieida, Asst. Professorial Lecturer of Del La Salle University Manila.

 

Pre-departure preparations:

Despite their busy schedules, the students were personally involved in the preparation for the program. Each student designed his/her own brochure page, contributed in developing the choreography for a traditional Filipino dance and wrote a script for a mini play, which they will be present during the Program.

Stefhie designed the cover page of the brochure, while Rina designed the badge for the official NIYE jacket of the Philippine group.

Japanese language lessons and culture-related lectures were also conducted to equip the students with basic information of Japan.

 

2015 Junior High School Students in ASEAN Member Countries for Youth Exchange Program

October 20 (Tue) Arrival at Chubu Centrair International Airport
Arrival at National Norikura Youth Friendship Center
October 21 (Wed) Courtesy Call at Takayama City Hall
Field Trip to Sirakawago
Culture Lesson: History of Takayama City
October 22 (Thu) School Visit
Brainstorming for the Tokyo Report
October 23 (Fri) Sorano Apple Orchard Visit
Authentic Japanese Native Food Cooking Demo
Takayama City Field trip
October 24 (Sat) Interactive discussion with Japanese Students
Meeting the host family
October 25 (Sun) Culture Lesson: Lifestyle in Japan
Preparation for the Tokyo Report
October26 (Mon) Fieldtrip to Shin Hotaka Ropeway
Preparation for the Tokyo Report
October 27 (Tue) Summary of training
Making of flower rice cake
Final Preparation for the Tokyo Report
Farewell Party with Host Family
October 28 (Wed) Leave for Tokyo
Courtesy Call – Philippine Embassy in Tokyo
Arrival at National Olympics Memorial Youth Center
Cultural Party with all delegates
October 29 (Thu) Final presentation of each delegation
City Tour
October 30 (Fri) Departure for Manila

21ST ASCOJA Conference Featured In Philippine Media

PHMEDIABANNER


21st ASCOJA Conference a Stirring Success (Oct 2-3, 2015)

The 21st Conference of the ASEAN Council of Japan Alumni (ASCOJA) held on 2-4 October 2015 at the Dusit Thani Manila was a stirring success, according to Mr. Philip B. Sanvictores, President of the Philippine Federation of Japan Alumni (PHILFEJA) – host and organizer of the Conference. He cited several significant achievements:

  • The ASCOJA Vision-Mission was unanimously ratified by the ASCOJA Council;
  • The updated Objectives were likewise unanimously approved by the ASCOJA Council (both the Vision-Mission Statement and updated Objectives will form part of the amended Articles of Organization and By-Laws of ASCOJA);
  • Certain other amendments to the By-Laws were approved in principle by the ASCOJA Council subject to final reading and approval by the Board of Governors in its next meeting in Tokyo in end-March 2016;
  • A total of 318 delegates were registered, of which 171 (54%) were foreigners, i.e., from the nine other ASEAN countries and Japan. The rest were delegates from PHILFEJA member associations and guests;
  • Prominent dignitaries attended the Conference, namely:
    • E. Yasuo Fukuda, former Prime Minister of Japan
    • Toshiko Abe, Senior Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan
    • Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa, Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines
    • Tetsuro Amano, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines
    • E. Cesar E.A. Virata, former Prime Minister of the Philippines
    • Ambassador Delia D. Albert, former Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines
    • Assistant Secretary Minda Calaguian-Cruz, Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of Foreign Affairs
    • Director Hans Mohaimin L. Siriban, Northeast Asia Division, Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of Foreign Affairs
    • Governor Jose C. Laurel V, Chairman – The Philippines-Japan Friendship Foundation
    • Ambassador Benjamin F. Sanvictores, Executive Trustee – The Philippines-Japan Friendship Foundation
    • Wilfrido V. Villacorta – former Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the ASEAN Secretariat and Professor Emeritus – De La Salle University
  • ASCOJA Board of Governors
    • Philip B. Sanvictores, President – Philippine Federation of Japan Alumni (PHILFEJA); host organization;
    • Ooi Chee Keong, President – Japan Graduates Association of Malaysia (JAGAM);
    • Ismadji Hadisoemarto, Vice-President – Association of Indonesian Alumni from Japan (PERSADA);
    • Tan Kay Guan, President – Japanese University Graduates Association of Singapore (JUGAS);
    • Samran Chooduangngern, President – Old Japan Students’ Association Thailand (OJSAT);
    • Chin Wei Kah, President – Brunei Association of Japan Alumni (BAJA);
    • Si Si Shein, President – Myanmar Association of Japan Alumni (MAJA);
    • Vuthy Monyrath, President – Japan Alumni of Cambodia (JAC);
    • Dr. Ngo Minh Thuy, President – Japan Alumni of Vietnam (JAV); and
    • Bouasone Vongthavone, President – Japan Alumni of Laos (JAOL).
  • ASJA International
    • Ambassador Takashi Tajima, Director for Japan
    • Samran Chooduangngern, Chairman – ASJA International
    • Jiro Sato, Secretary- General
    • Chikako Hagihara, Secretariat Manager
  • Japan Stakeholders
    • Yoshihisa Ishikawa, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) – Tokyo
    • Hideki Yonekawa, Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO)
    • Yuichi Kondo, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU)
    • Takayasu Omura, Japan Association for the Promotion of Internationalization
  • The Conference Theme – “ASCOJA in an Integrated ASEAN” – was thoroughly discussed in Keynote Speeches by Ambassador Albert and Villacorta; these were further discussed in three breakout sessions each presenting three papers from various ASCOJA Chapters focusing on:
    • Education, Research and Development
      • Education and Industry Collaboration by Adeline Pang Li Ching (BAJA)
      • Responding to Challenges in Internationalizing the National University by Fernando C. Sanchez (PHILFEJA)
      • Discourse on Issues and Approaches on How Children Acquire New Language Effectively by Ooi Chee Keong (JAGAM)
      • Moderated by Maricar Prudente, Professor of Science Education, De La Salle University
    • Economic Integration and Business
      • ASEAN Economic Integration through Sub-Regional Cooperation by Eko Cahyono (PERSADA)
      • Improving Business Policies and Infrastructure by Phouphet Kyophilavong (JAOL)
      • Development of Dynamic Capability for Venture Gestation by Goi Hoe Chin (JUGAS)
      • Moderated by Rosalina Tan, Professor of Economics, Ateneo de Manila University
    • Cultural Diversity and Social Integration
      • World Heritage (Pyu Ancient City of Sri Kestra) by Prof Si Si Shein (MAJA)
      • Rice and Tea: Cultural Exchange in ASEAN Countries and Japan by Navarat Laekhakula (OJSAT)
      • Independence and Integration as Parallel Movements in the History of Vietnam by Ngo Tu Lap (JAV)
      • Moderated by Rico Jose, Professor of History, University of the Philippines
    • Consolidation and Wrap-up Plenary Session moderated by Tereso Tullao, Jr., Director – Angelo King Institute for Economic and Business Studies, De La Salle University
  • The social functions and cultural events were very well attended:
    • Welcome Dinner on October 2, 2015
    • Ayala Walking Tour in the afternoon of October 3 for delegates’ spouses
    • Dinner Reception hosted by Ambassador Ishikawa on October 3
    • Golf game at South Forbes Golf Club on October 4
    • Tour of Old Manila on October 4 with luncheon at the Bayleaf Hotel
    • Farewell Dinner on October 4

The 21st ASCOJA Conference was featured in three dailies – the Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin and Business World. Copies of the press releases can be viewed in this link. Moreover, the conference was covered by Cignal TV® and featured in its newly launched Bloomberg TV™ (click here to view broadcast footage).

A 110-page souvenir program was produced for the conference. In addition, a Compendium covering all the presentations in printed, video and digital formats is under production, scheduled for release within the year. The 21st ASCOJA Conference was blessed to have a wide array of generous supporters, enumerated in this link to partners, sponsors and advertisers.

A final and all-important accomplishment of the 21st Conference was the determination by the ASCOJA Council of the schedule of annual conferences from 2016 to 2025, as follows:

Year Host Organization Country
2016 Japan Graduates Association of Malaysia (JAGAM) Malaysia
2017 Brunei Association of Japan Alumni (BAJA) Brunei
2018 Japanese University Graduates Association of Singapore (JUGAS) Singapore
2019 Japan Alumni of Cambodia (JAC) Cambodia
2020 Japan Alumni of Laos (JAOL) Laos
2021 Old Japan Students’ Association Thailand (OJSAT) Thailand
2022 Association of Indonesia Alumni from Japan (PERSADA) Indonesia
2023 Japan Alumni of Vietnam (JAV) Vietnam
2024 Myanmar Association of Japan Alumni (MAJA) Myanmar
2025 Philippine Federation of Japan Alumni (PHILFEJA) Philippines

Links to ASCOJA 2015 Sponsors and Advertisers

CONFERENCE PARTNERS ADVERTISERS
Japan Foundation BPI/MS Insurance Corporation
The Philippines-Japan Friendship Foundation Business Trends Philippines
GOLD EMS Components Assembly, Inc.
YKK Corporation
Fortinet
The Laurel Family
JG Law
SILVER The Law Firm of Ingles Laurel Calderon
SGV & Company Lunchbox Diet
Nanpou Tokubetsu Ryugakusei Lyceum of the Philippines University
BRONZE Mabuhay Vinyl Corporation
8990 Holdings, Inc. Netmarks Philippines, Inc.
Bank of the Philippine Islands Uniadex, Ltd.
BDO Unibank Nikkoshi Philippines Corporation
Bonita del Mar Optimum Securities Corporation
EEI Corporation PHILAJAMES Foundation / VastNet, Inc.
First Metro Investment Corporation PIJLC Alumni Batches 4, 5 and 6
Hino Motors Philippines, Inc. Prime Manpower
i-Cube Group, Inc. Quantum Group
Mitsubishi Corporation – Manila Branch Soriano Projects and Ventures Group
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines St. Frances Cabrini Medical Center & Cancer Institute
Servicio Filipino, Inc. Sumitomo Corporation of the Philippines
Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation Trend Micro
Toyota Batangas, Inc. WestPac Solutions Factory, Inc.
 Toyota Camarines Sur, Inc. Lionapex Philippines, Inc.
DONORS Abiva Publishing House, Inc.
 Mr. Nelson Licup Eligardi Enterprises, Inc.
 Globe Telecom Toyota Manila Bay, Inc.
 Nihongo Center Foundation, Inc. VaxPlus Corporation

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