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2011 Speeches (As delivered)
 

 

Remarks of Ambassador Toshinao Urabe

Pre-Departure Orientation for Scholars

September 10, 2011 (Saturday)

JICC Multi-Purpose Hall

 

 

Dr. Amelia Fajardo, President, Philippine Association of Japanese Government Scholars (PHILAJAMES);

Departing scholars;

Ladies and gentlemen:

 

Magandang Hapon sa inyong lahat. Naging makabuluhan ba sa inyo ang ating briefing? Sana'y nakatulong ito. (Good afternoon to everyone. Was the briefing helpful for you? I hope it was.)

 

One of the pleasures for a speaker is to face so many young and eager faces. In fact you remind me of the first phrase of a poem written by Dr. Jose Rizal, “To the Philippine Youth”. “Look up with a tranquil face, Philippine youth, on this day and shine”. As you know the poem was a beautiful description of the Filipino youth's potential for charting the future of “sweet Philippines.”

 

You are the Filipino youth who is about to embark on a new adventure. There will be difficult times. You may be confused and frustrated. What was normal here may have a totally different meaning in Japan. But that is how you learn things. If you are comfortable, it means you are within your limits. Your potential will be forever a potential. You are going to Japan to enlarge your horizon.

So congratulations. By the way, don't be too scared. As an island country in Asia, the Filipinos and Japanese have many things in common.

 

May likas na katangian ang mga Pilipino. Ito ay tinatawag na bayanihan. Mayroon ding pagpapahalaga ang mga Pilipino sa konsepto ng kahihiyan. Ang mga Hapon ay mayroon ding katulad na mga katangian. (The Filipinos have an intrinsic characteristic called, bayanihan. The Filipinos also value the concept of “kahihiyan”. It is quite similar with the Japanese. )

 

This adventure you are taking on is a huge investment for yourself. Make the best of it. However remember, at the same time, it is an investment for your country and community. No human being can live alone. So share your talents and newfound knowledge with the Philippines. Also no country can live alone in this globalized world. So make use of what you learned and experienced for a better relationship between the Philippines and Japan.

 

Maraming Salamat po. Umaasa kami na pagsusumikapan ninyo ang inyong pag-aaral para sa magandang kinabukasan. (Thank you very much. We hope that you will do well in your studies so you can have a better future.)