In an Opening Ceremony held last November 7, 2019, NCF welcomed its 12^th batch of students for the Preparatory Nihongo Training Program for Filipino Nurse and Certified Care Worker Candidates under the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The 12^th batch has accepted 329 candidates, 139 are training at the NCF Manila branch and 190 are attending lessons at the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Taguig City.

Mr. Hiroaki Uesugi, Director, The Japan Foundation, Manila, led the opening remarks followed by messages from Honorable Guests including Mr. Manabu Yasukawa, First Secretary, Labour Attaché, Embassy of Japan; Mr. Virgilio Carreon, OIC-Director IV, Welfare and Employment Office, POEA; and Mr. Kenjiro Ogata, Academic Advisor, Nihongo Center Foundation.

“Many people can go and work in Japan, but not all will have the same privileges as what you will be availing through this program under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement or JPEPA. I hope that you are all prepared and excited on this new challenge. Learning a new language is certainly not an easy task, but it may reward you with more possibilities ahead,” explained Mr. Yasukawa. 

Ogata-sensei also reminded the students how important being able to speak Japanese is when it comes to their success in Japan. He explained, “Here in the Philippines English is being used as a tool of communication together with Filipino languages. However, in Japan we do not use English as a tool of daily communication. Although we study English in school, we use Japanese in everyday life. So, if you cannot communicate in Japanese, you would have a very hard time working in Japan as nurse or care worker because you have to communicate with your Japanese patients and colleagues in their language: Japanese. The Japanese language or Nihongo will make or break your life in Japan.”

Representing her batchmates, Ms. Edith Inay also gave a message during the Opening Ceremony. She cheered on every one by saying, “let us help one another, let us motivate and inspire each other, let’s be kind, humble and smart. Let’s have faith and pray. Let’s obey and respect the rules. Let’s be patient and hardworking. Let us strengthen each other. And never forget to take care of ourselves.”

The candidates will go through a 6-month, intensive preparatory program that not only focuses on Japanese language but also educates them on Japanese culture, society, customs and manners, and general life in Japan. After their training, they will continue for another 6 months in a school in Japan before being deployed to their respective hospitals and healthcare institutions. 

Resources:

Event Program

Message from Mr. Manabu Yasukawa

Message from Mr. Virgilio Carreon 1 2

Message from Mr. Kenjiro Ogata

Message from Ms. Edith Pagasartonga Inay

Message from Mr. Josef Carlo Orillo

Opening Remarks by Mr. Hiroaki Uesugi

NCF and PIJLC opened their doors once again for the annual Open House, held on October 12, 2019 at their Manila branch. The schools welcomed over 200 guests who participated in different contests and workshops related to Japanese language and culture. 

The morning program opened with a lively Yosakoi dance performed by Jovy Sensei and her Basic Japanese class students. Yosakoi is a unique style of dance that originated in Japan and is performed at festivals and events all over the country.

One of the most loved activities in the Open House is the Karaoke Singing Contest, which opened the afternoon program. There were 14 contestants who showed off their talents in singing popular Japanese songs. Top winners (listed below) received tuition incentives prizes and NCF memorabilia. 

1^st place: CMKC – “Kimi ni Todoke”

2^nd place: The Angel of Music  – “Hana Cherie”

3^rd place: Pat Yam – “Voice”

A fun trivia game about culture and travel was also held during the morning and afternoon program. Participants were given two choices and had to line up in front of their answer. 

Contest winners for the Kana Writing were announced in the morning, while winners for the Drawing and Cosplay contests were awarded during the afternoon program. The winners are listed below:

Kana Writing

1^st place: Madanne Arnante

2^nd place: Shiela Detera

3^rd place: Michelle Aguilar

Drawing Contest

1^st place: Jazmine Pauline Perez

2^nd place: Mikhail Ortiz

3^rd place: Chrissa Marri Barlan

Cosplay Contest

1^st place: Janna Garcia as Star Guardian Lux from League of Legends

2^nd place: Melody Dela Rosa as Freyja Wion from Macross

Whole-day activities included yukata wearing, origami, calligraphy, omikuji (Japanese fortune-telling), free Japanese language lessons, and a kana game booth. A film showing of “Dad’s Lunchbox” was also held from 12 – 1:30 p.m. 

The Open House welcomed guests from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This year’s Master of Ceremonies was Vianca Ramirez-sensei. 

Resources:

Photo Album

List of Winners