12th Batch of EPA Nurse and Care Worker Candidates to Undergo Preparatory Japanese Language Training

   The opening ceremony of the Preparatory Japanese Language Training for the 12^th Batch of Filipino nurse and care worker candidates bound for Japan under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) was held on November 7, 2019 at the TESDA Auditorium in Taguig City and at the Nihongo Center Foundation (NCF) in Manila. Representing the Embassy of Japan was Minister for Economic Affairs Masahiro Nakata and First Secretary Manabu Yasukawa who gave his message to the candidates.
 
   The initial six months of Japanese language training of the nurse and care worker candidates before their departure for Japan is implemented through the collaborative efforts of the governments of Japan and the Philippines. This endeavor goes beyond their standing commitments in the JPEPA and aims to further assist the candidates in passing the Japanese Licensure Examinations in the future.
 
   A total of 341 candidates will undergo this six months of preparatory Japanese language training at two different venues: the Language Skills Institute in TESDA and the Nihongo Center Foundation Inc. in Manila. They will then depart for Japan in June 2020 and undergo another six months of Japanese language training there prior to their work term in hospitals and care facilities.