Ambassador Toshinao Urabe with the 2011 Japanese Government Scholars,
together with the PHILAJAMES officers and members
The Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC) of the Embassy of Japan, in cooperation with the Philippine Association of Japanese Government Scholars (PHILAJAMES, Inc.) held a pre-departure orientation for the 2011 Japanese Government Scholars on September 10, 2011 (Saturday) at the JICC Multi-Purpose Hall of the Embassy of Japan. The local chapters of PHILAJAMES in Visayas and Mindanao also conducted their respective pre-departure orientations for the new scholars residing outside Metro Manila. The scholars are scheduled to leave this October to pursue further studies in various Japanese universities.
Joining the roster of the Japanese Government Scholars are 19 students under the Research Category Program, 1 student under the Japanese Studies Program, 6 teachers under the Teacher Training Program, and 2 young professionals under the Young Leaders' Program (YLP).
Ambassador Toshinao Urabe attended the pre-departure orientation to congratulate the new scholars on successfully becoming a part of the Japanese Government Scholarship Program, and gave out words of encouragement as they prepare for the start of their life in Japan.
Also present during the orientation was JICC Director Kiyoshi Takeuchi who warmly welcomed the new scholars into the program. PHILAJAMES President Dr. Amelia Fajardo gave an introduction and background of the PHILAJAMES, and its future significance to the new scholars once they graduate from their respective Japanese universities. PHILAJAMES members Mr. Lyle Fernandez and Dr. Ferdinand Pitagan both gave an inspirational talk as they shared their experiences as former foreign students in Japan. To offer guidance to the new scholars on their prospective careers, Atty. Cyril Lubaton shared his thoughts and personal experience from working in a Japanese company here in the Philippines. The entire pre-departure orientation prepared the new scholars not only for their studies in Japan, but also presented them a clear guide in choosing potential careers for the future.
The Japanese Government Scholarship has been enabling foreign nationals to study in Japan for the promotion of mutual understanding, advancement of education and global human resource development. Since its implementation more than 50 years ago, there have been more than 3,000 Filipino recipients of this scholarship.
