Japanese Government Scholarship Predeparture Orientation Held

A pre-departure orientation for the newest batch of scholars under the Japanese Government Scholarship was held on September 8, 2018 at Embassy of Japan, Embassy of Japan. The event was conducted by Embassy of Japan in partnership with the Philippine Association of Japanese Government Scholars (PHILAJAMES).

The group of scholars is composed of more than 60 students under four categories: the Undergraduate Category, the Research Category, the Teacher Training Program, and the Young Leaders Program. They are set to fly out in September and October.

Minister and Consul General Atsushi Kuwabara opened the occasion with his welcome remarks, advising the scholars to make the most out of the opportunities given to them and expressing hope that their work will contribute to the furthering of Japan-Philippines relations. PHILAJAMES President Dr. Cristino Collado gave a few more words of welcome, and PHILAJAMES 2nd Vice President Belinda Perez introduced the scholars to the PHILAJAMES members. To shed light on PHILAJAMES as an organization, PHILAJAMES 1st Vice President Dr. Marloe Sundo shared details on its role in the lives of the alumni of the Japanese Government scholarship program.

The main part of the orientation focused on advice to departing scholars from former recipients of the Scholarship, Mr. Sylvestre Amorsolo and Dr. Richelle Zafra. They shared anecdotes from their stay in Japan as well as some advice on social rules and etiquette in the country, which the scholars enjoyed listening to. Both alumni emphasized to the scholars the importance of doing their work earnestly. The rest of the alumni present also shared practical advice based on their experiences in Japan. After a few reminders from the Embassy, Dr. Collado and Dr. Amelia Fajardo gave their closing remarks to formally end the program.

The Japanese Government, through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), has been giving students worldwide a chance to study in Japan’s top universities since the scholarship program was established in 1954. To date, over 3,500 Filipino students have received scholarships in one of seven categories: Japanese Studies, Teacher Training, Research, Undergraduate, Specialized Training, College of Technology, and the Young Leaders Program.

For more information on the Japanese Government Scholarship, please visit the Scholarship page of the Embassy of Japan website (https://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000193.html) or contact the Japan Information Culture Center at 551-5710 locals 2313 or 4210.