Honorable ROLANDO G. TUNGPALAN,
Deputy Director-General, NEDA
Director JOSEL F. IGNACIO
DFA - ASPAC
Mr. NORIO MATSUDA
JICA Chief Representative
Our dear JDS fellows,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen:
Good morning. It is a great pleasure for me to be with you today for the Send-Off Ceremony for the 9 th Batch of Fellows of the Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development Scholarship Project or JDS.
First, on behalf of the Government of Japan, I would like to congratulate all of you for successfully passing the selection process. Your being here is a testament of your capabilities and potential.
You have now two rosy years ahead of you. I can imagine how much you feel excited with such a bright prospect. Because just 25 years ago, I was given a similar opportunity by my Government to study overseas for 2 years. As I did then, you will not only pursue your studies, but also enjoy your stay in Japan. You will appreciate the Japanese rich culture and develop friendship with Japanese people. In addition, you will have an unique opportunity of observing how Japanese people overcome the earthquake of last March. I strongly hope, at the end of 2 years, you will become true friends and allies of Japan and serve as bridge between the two countries.
The other thing that I experienced during my overseas study, and that I wish you will similarly do, is to look at one's own country from a different angle. You will shed a new light on your country and realize many merits and strengths that you are not aware of before. And you will surely become more patriotic than before.
As I am a bureaucrat as you are, I always hate my cheap salary. But my love for the country motivates me to continue to serve my country.
When you will return from Japan in 2 years, I believe you will similarly be bestowed with renewed love for your country and assume leadership roles in your respective agency.
Good luck to you all.
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Embassy of Japan in the Philippines