JOCV Turns 60: Celebrating Japan-Philippines Friendship Through Volunteerism

On August 28, 2025, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Philippines Office, hosted a commemorative event at the Ambassador’s residence to mark the 60th anniversary of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV). The event celebrated six decades of volunteerism, development cooperation, and enduring friendship between Japan and the Philippines as its partner country.
Besides Ambassador Endo Kazuya and JICA Philippines Chief Representative Baba Takashi, who served as the hosts, the event was attended by Ms. Obuchi Yuko, the Chairperson of JICA Parliamentary League, along with other members of the League: Mr. Takeuchi Yuzuru, Ms. Kaneko Emi, Mr. Ejima Kiyoshi, Mr. Nakatani Shinichi, Ms. Suzuki Takako, Mr. Sakurai Shu. Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, the President of Philippines-Japan Parliamentary Friendship Association; Representative Tsuyoshi Anthony Horibata; and DepDev Undersecretary Carlo Bernardo Abad Santos also participated in the event, along with other national government representatives, alumni volunteers and members of the local partner institutions as well.

Launched in 1965, the JOCV program has dispatched over 57,000 Japanese volunteers to 99 countries around the world.  The Philippines has developed a deep cooperative relationship with JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers over the years since the first dispatch to the country. To date, more than 1,700 members have contributed to community development in various parts of the Philippines.
In her congratulatory remarks, Ms. Obuchi, JICA Parliamentary League Chairperson expressed her deep respect and gratitude for the JOCVs, who have deepened mutual understanding with local residents through their commitment to "think together" and "work together" with the communities as “grassroots diplomats”. She also acknowledged the Filipino people, who always warmly welcome these volunteers. Ms. Obuchi emphasized her belief that the cumulative efforts of each volunteer- their passionate work and the problem-solving skills developed on a foundation of friendship and cooperation in the Philippines and other host countries-will become a social force capable of shaping a new era in today's complex international environment. She concluded by reaffirming her continued support for the JOCV program.

In his congratulatory remarks, Senator Zubiri lauded the vital person-to-person dimension that the JOCV program has brought to the Philippines-Japan friendship. He also stated the volunteers symbolize Japan's unwavering support and assistance, and that their spirit of volunteerism truly reflects the very best of the Japanese character. He expressed his deep gratitude for their immense contributions over the years and hoped for the continued success of the JOCV program in further strengthening the strong ties between the two nations.

Finally, Mr.  Yamamoto Shion delivered a report on behalf of all the volunteers. He shared his personal experiences, including that this was his first overseas experience, the bonds he forged with the local community, and his family's pride in his contributions, which they witnessed through media coverage. The ceremony concluded with all the participants, led by Mr. Yamamoto, calling out “Mabuhay Pilipinas, Mabuhay Japan, Samasama sa Kinabukasan (Long Live the Philippines, Long Live Japan, Together Towards the Future)," celebrating 60 years JOCV activities and reaffirming their commitment to strengthening Japan-Philippines relations.